from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Provide \Pro*vide"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Provided}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Providing}.] [L. providere, provisum; pro before +
videre to see. See {Vision}, and cf. {Prudent}, {Purvey}.]
1. To look out for in advance; to procure beforehand; to get,
collect, or make ready for future use; to prepare.
"Provide us all things necessary." --Shak.
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2. To supply; to afford; to contribute.
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Bring me berries, or such cooling fruit
As the kind, hospitable woods provide. --Milton.
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3. To furnish; to supply; -- formerly followed by of, now by
with. "And yet provided him of but one." --Jer. Taylor.
"Rome . . . was well provided with corn." --Arbuthnot.
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4. To establish as a previous condition; to stipulate; as,
the contract provides that the work be well done.
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5. To foresee.
Note: [A Latinism] [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
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6. To appoint to an ecclesiastical benefice before it is
vacant. See {Provisor}. --Prescott.
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