Prŏv'i-dence, n.
n. [Fr. providence, Pr. providenssia, providenza, Sp. & Pg. providencia, It. providenza, provvidenza, providenzia, Lat. providentia. See infra.]
Sense 1. The act of providing or preparing for future use or application; foresight; timely care; readiness to provide.
Providence for war is the best prevention of it. Bacon.
Sense 2. Especially, the foresight and care which God exercises over his creatures; hence, God, regarded as exercising forecast, care, and direction, for and on his creatures. “The world was all before them, . . . and providence their guide.” Milton.
Sense 3. (Theol.) A manifestation of the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures; an event in which the care or design of God is directly seen and shown.
He that hath a numerous family, and many to provide for, needs a greater providence of God. Bp. Taylor.
Sense 4. Prudence in the management of one’s concerns, or in private economy.
It is a high point of providence in a prince to cast an eye rather upon actions than persons. Quarles.