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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