Part 521

Pret"zel (?), n. [G. pretzel, bretzel. Cf. Bretzel.] A kind of German biscuit or cake in the form of a twisted ring, salted on the outside.

Pre*vail" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Prevailed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Prevailing.] [F. prÈvaloir, OF. prevaleir, L. praevalere; prae before + valere to be strong, able, or worth. See Valiant.] 1. To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage; to have the upper hand, or the mastery; to succeed; -- sometimes with over or against.

When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

Ex. xvii. 11.

So David prevailed over the Philistine.

1 Sam. xvii. 50.

This kingdom could never prevail against the united power of England.

Swift.

2. To be in force; to have effect, power, or influence; to be predominant; to have currency or prevalence; to obtain; as, the practice prevails this day.

This custom makes the short-sighted bigots, and the warier skeptics, as far as it prevails.

Locke.

3. To persuade or induce; -- with on, upon, or with; as, I prevailedon him to wait.

He was prevailed with to restrain the Earl.

Clarendon.

Prevail upon some judicious friend to be your constant hearer, and allow him the utmost freedom.

Swift.

Pre*vail"ing, a. 1. Having superior force or influence; efficacious; persuasive. Shak.

Saints shall assist thee with prevailing prayers.

Rowe.

2. Predominant; prevalent; most general; as, the prevailing disease of a climate; a prevailing opinion.

Syn. See Prevalent.

Pre*vail"ing*ly, adv. So as to prevail.

Pre*vail"ment (?), n. Prevalence; superior influence; efficacy. [Obs.] Shak.

Prev"a*lence (?), n. [L. praevalentia: cf. F. prÈvalence. See Prevail.] The quality or condition of being prevalent; superior strength, force, or influence; general existence, reception, or practice; wide extension; as, the prevalence of virtue, of a fashion, or of a disease; the prevalence of a rumor.

The duke better knew what kind of argument were of prevalence with him.

Clarendon.

Prev"a*len*cy (?), n. See Prevalence.

Prev"a*lent (?), a. [L. praevalens, -entis, p. pr. of praevalere. See Prevail.] 1. Gaining advantage or superiority; having superior force, influence, or efficacy; prevailing; predominant; successful; victorious.