Prov"i*dence (?), n. [L. providentia: cf. F. providence. See Provident, and cf. Prudence.]
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. Theol.
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.
© Webster 1913.