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.
Prov"i*dent*ly (?), adv. In a provident manner.
Prov"i*dent*ness, n. The quality or state of being provident;
carefulness; prudence; economy.
Pro*vid"er (?), n. One who provides, furnishes, or supplies; one who
procures what is wanted.
Prov"i*dore (?), n. [See Provedore.] One who makes provision; a
purveyor. [R.] De Foe.
Prov"ince (?), n. [F., fr. L. provincia; prob. fr. pro before, for +
the root of vincere to conquer. See Victor.] 1. (Roman Hist.) A country
or region, more or less remote from the city of Rome, brought under the
Roman government; a conquered country beyond the limits of Italy.
Wyclif (Acts xiii. 34). Milton.
2. A country or region dependent on a distant authority; a portion of
an empire or state, esp. one remote from the capital. "Kingdoms and
provinces." Shak.