| providence | 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. 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) 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) Origin: L. Providentia: cf. F. Providence. See Provident, and cf. Prudence. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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