provide.html - v.
1 tr. supply; furnish (provided them with food; provided food for them; provided a chance for escape).
2 intr. a (usu. foll. by for, against) make due preparation (provided for any eventuality; provided against invasion). b (usu. foll. by for) prepare for the maintenance of a person etc.
3 tr. (also refl.) equip with necessities (they had to provide themselves).
4 tr. (usu. foll. by that) stipulate in a will, statute, etc.
5 tr. (usu. foll. by to) Eccl. hist. a appoint (an incumbent) to a benefice. b (of the Pope) appoint (a successor) to a benefice not yet vacant. [ME f. L providere (as PRO-(1), videre vis- see)]

provide.html - adj. & conj.
--adj.

supplied, furnished.

--conj.

(often foll. by that) on the condition or understanding (that).

provide.html - n.
1 the protective care of God or nature.
2 (Providence) God in this aspect.
3 timely care or preparation; foresight; thrift.

special providence a particular instance of God's providence. [ME f. OF providence or L providentia (as PROVIDE)]

provide.html - adj.
having or showing foresight; thrifty.

Provident Society Brit. = Friendly Society.

providently adv. [ME f. L (as PROVIDE)]

provide.html - adj.
1 of or by divine foresight or interposition.
2 opportune, lucky.

providentially adv. [PROVIDENCE + -IAL, after evidential etc.]

provide.html - n.
1 a person or thing that provides.
2 the breadwinner of a family etc.