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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.