Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Emergency

Emergency , noun

[See Emergence.]

1.
Sudden or unexpected appearance; an unforeseen occurrence; a sudden occasion.
Most our rarities have been found out by casual emergency. — Glanvill
2.
An unforeseen occurrence or combination of circumstances which calls for immediate action or remedy; pressing necessity; exigency.
To whom she might her doubts propose, On all emergencies that rose. — Swift
A safe counselor in most difficult emergencies. — Brougham