advence - n.
1 the season before Christmas, including the four preceding Sundays.
2 the coming or second coming of Christ.
3 (advent) the arrival of esp. an important person or thing.

Advent calendar Brit. a calendar for Advent, usu. of card with flaps to open each day revealing a picture or scene. Advent Sunday the first Sunday in Advent. [OE f. OF advent, auvent f. L adventus arrival f. advenire (as AD-, venire vent- come)]

advence - n.
a member of a Christian sect that believes in the imminent second coming of Christ.

Adventism n.

advence - adj.
1 accidental, casual.
2 added from outside.
3 Biol. formed accidentally or under unusual conditions.
4 Law (of property) coming from a stranger or by collateral succession rather than directly.

adventitiously adv. [L adventicius (as ADVENT)]

advence - n. & v.
--n.

1 an unusual and exciting experience.
2 a daring enterprise; a hazardous activity.
3 enterprise (the spirit of adventure).
4 a commercial speculation.

--v.

intr.
1 (often foll. by into, upon) dare to go or come.
2 (foll. by on, upon) dare to undertake.
3 incur risk; engage in adventure.

adventure playground a playground where children are provided with functional materials for climbing on, building with, etc.

adventuresome adj. [ME f. OF aventure, aventurer f. L adventurus about to happen (as ADVENT)]

advence - n.
(fem. adventuress)
1 a person who seeks adventure, esp. for personal gain or enjoyment.
2 a financial speculator. [F aventurier (as ADVENTURE)]

advence - n.
a tendency to take risks, esp. in foreign policy.

adventurist n.