early 15c., "attainment;" 1530s, "proceeding in argument from one proposition to another in logical sequence," from Latin consecutionem (nominative consecutio), noun of action from past-participle stem of consequi "to follow after," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + sequi "to follow" (from PIE root *sekw- (1) "to follow"). Meaning "any succession or sequence" is from 1650s.