online medical dictionary | definition of providence

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. 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)

Origin: L. Providentia: cf. F. Providence. See Provident, and cf. Prudence.

(01 Mar 1998)