Consequent, a.
Etymology: [L. consequens, -entis, p. pr. of consequi to follow; con- + sequi to follow: cf. F. conséquent. See Second, and cf. Consecution.]
1. Following as a result, inference, or natural effect. The right was consequent to, and built on, an act perfectly personal. Locke.
2. (Logic)
Following by necessary inference or rational deduction; as, a proposition consequent to other propositions. Consequent points, Consequent poles (Magnetism), a number of poles distributed under certain conditions, along the axis of a magnetized steel bar, which regularly has but the two poles at the extremities.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Consequent, n.
1. That which follows, or results from, a cause; a result or natural effect. They were ill-governed, which is always a consequent of ill payment. Sir J. Davies.
2. (Logic)
That which follows from propositions by rational deduction; that which is deduced from reasoning or argumentation; a conclusion, or inference.
3. (Math.)
The second term of a ratio, as the term b in the ratio a:b, the first a, being the antecedent.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for consequent; he lists it under consequence.
Where he writes about it:
The direct antonym of cause is effect, while that of antecedent is consequent. — from cause
A consequent commonly is that which follows simply in order of time, or by logical inference. — from consequence