prəˈvaɪd 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 vissee)]