consequence (n.) Look up consequence at Dictionary.com
late 14c., "inference, conclusion," from Old French consequence "result" (13c., Modern French conséquence), from Latin consequentia, from consequentem (nominative consequens), present participle of consequi "to follow after," from com- "with" (see com-) + sequi "to follow" (see sequel). Sense of "importance" (c. 1600) is from notion of being "pregnant with consequences."