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5. To foresee. [A Latinism] [Obs.] B. Jonson.

6. To appoint to an ecclesiastical benefice before it is vacant. See Provisor. Prescott.

Pro*vide", v. i. 1. To procure supplies or means in advance; to take measures beforehand in view of an expected or a possible future need, especially a danger or an evil; -- followed by against or for; as, to provide against the inclemency of the weather; to provide for the education of a child.

Government is a contrivance of human wisdom to provide for human wants.

Burke.

2. To stipulate previously; to condition; as, the agreement provides for an early completion of the work.

Pro*vid"ed (?), conj. On condition; by stipulation; with the understanding; if; -- usually followed by that; as, provided that nothing in this act shall prejudice the rights of any person whatever.

Provided the deductions are logical, they seem almost indifferent to their truth.

G. H. Lewes.

This word is strictly a participle, and the word being is understood, the participle provided agreeing with the whole sentence absolute, and being equivalent to this condition being previously stipulated or established.

Prov"i*dence (?), n. [L. providentia: cf. F. providence. See Provident, and cf. Prudence.] 1. The act of providing or preparing for future use or application; a making ready; preparation.

Providence for war is the best prevention of it.

Bacon.

2. Foresight; care; especially, the foresight and care which God manifests for his creatures; hence, God himself, regarded as exercising a constant wise prescience.

The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide.

Milton.

3. (Theol.) A manifestation of the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures; an event ordained by divine direction.

He that hath a numerous family, and many to provide for, needs a greater providence of God.

Jer. Taylor.

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4. Prudence in the management of one's concerns; economy; frugality.

It is a high point of providence in a prince to cast an eye rather upon actions than persons.

Quarles.

Prov"i*dent (?), a. [L. providens, -entis, p. pr. of providere: cf. F. provident. See Provide, and cf. Prudent.] Foreseeing wants and making provision to supply them; prudent in preparing for future exigencies; cautious; economical; -- sometimes followed by of; as, aprovident man; an animal provident of the future.

And of our good and of our dignity, How provident he is.

Milton.

Syn. -- Forecasting; cautious; careful; prudent; frugal; economical.

Prov`i*den"tial (?), a. [Cf. F. providentiel.] Effected by, or referable to, divine direction or superintendence; as, the providential contrivance of thing; a providential escape. -- Prov"i*den"tial*ly, adv.