† provideadj.
Obsolete. rare.
Prudent, provident.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > provident foresight, prudence > [adjective]
purveyable?a1425
pensivec1425
providenta1450
provide?a1475
purveyanta1500
prospective1581
prospecting1602
provisional1603
providentiala1646
provisionary1647
prospicient1654
provisive1677
forethoughtful1809
far-seeing1837
provisory1843
?a1475 (?a1425) in tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1882) VIII. App. 445 He was moderate in cures temporalle, provide in cownsaille [ Walsingham Chron. ‘In curis temporalibus providus’].
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2007; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
providev.
/prəˈvʌɪd/, U.S. /prəˈvaɪd/, /proʊˈvaɪd/ I. To exercise foresight; to make provision for the future.† 3. transitive. To foresee. Obsolete.
1. transitive with that-clause.† b. gen. To make provision for beforehand; to take measures to ensure that something shall not happen. Obsolete.
a. To stipulate in a will, statute, etc.; to lay down as a provision or arrangement. Cf. provided conj., providing conj., provision n. 4a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > modify, qualify [verb (transitive)] > stipulate for
reserve1399
provide1423
patise1542
condition1549
covenant1577
stipule1623
stipulate1685
1423 Rolls of Parl. VI. 256/2 Be it ordeigned..that the too half be forfet to the use of the Kyng..Provydyng evir more that thei goeth unto the koyne.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 360 There was made a provision for the day of maryaige, and by the kynges advyse hit was provyded that hit sholde be at Mychaelmasse.
a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) 419 (MED) Yerly ye may se For multipliyng of herbis how nature hath prouided That al thing onyd in the seed be diuidede.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxiiijv The Mayers wyfe of the citie prouided in her wyll, that she would be buried without any pompe or noyse.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 116 Qn sa our lawis provydes, that the eldest succeides.
1640 H. Burton Replie to Relation of Conf. between Laude & Fisher 99 Therefore as one of your Canons provides, that your Priest that is not able to have a Long Gown, may weare a Short Cloake.
1687 Boyds of Penkill Family Papers No. 284 29 Dec. I dout the lau will provaid that I sal take my mony as it war at a term.
1709 W. Nelson Rights Clergy Great Brit. 129 The Statute provides that..it shall continue during the Lease and afterwards.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. 66 By an ordinance in 27 Hen. II. called the assise of arms, it was provided that every man's armour should descend to his heir.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. i. 13 Another regulation, providing that every person who was found slain should be supposed to be a Frenchman, unless he were proved to be a Saxon.
1891 Law Rep.: Weekly Notes 72/2 This clause did not provide that the costs of references..should be in the discretion of the arbitrators.
1908 Westm Gaz. 21 July 5/1 The new law provides that all these Seville douros shall be confiscated.
1946 All Eng. Law Rep. 23 Nov. 577 In that sub-clause it is provided that the wife is to support, maintain and educate the child.
2000 Nation (N.Y.) 9 Oct. 35/1 The Fifth Amendment..provides that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation.
ΚΠ
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 8698 Þis kyng knyȝtly gan prouide In his avis þat no þing him eskape.
a1500 (?a1410) J. Lydgate Churl & Bird (Lansd.) 191 in Minor Poems (1934) ii. 476 I wole bewar, & a-forn provide, That of no fowler I wole no more be iapid.
1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Av v To..prouyde by her owne commaundement that nothynge sholde lacke.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 120 We must provyd..that by no prerogatyfe he usurpe apon the pepul any such authorysyd tyranny.
1574 J. Baret Aluearie P 730 To Prouide that a thing happen not. Præcaueo.
1642 J. March Argument Militia 4 The King ought..to provide that his Subjects have their passage throughout the Realme by all high wayes in safeguard.
1698 J. Norris Pract. Disc. Divine Subj. IV. 109 Is not every Man concern'd to provide that neither the Desire of Life may imbitter his Death, nor the Fear of Death discomfort his Life?
1750–2 S. Johnson Rambler I. 32 The purpose of these writings is surely not only to show mankind, but to provide that they may be seen hereafter with less hazard.
1858 A. Trollope Three Clerks II. xii. 262 It would not be amiss to provide that the man selected should know somewhat of finance.
2. intransitive. To take appropriate measures in view of a possible event; to make adequate preparation for the future. Frequently with against, for.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > provident foresight, prudence > exercise foresight [verb (intransitive)]
providec1425
foresee1551
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. 563 (MED) Lat hym be war & prudently prouide.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1871) III. 47 (MED) Men of Lacedemonia provide for [a1387 J. Trevisa tr. arayed; L. instaurant] a batelle ageyne men of Micena.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Richard III f. lijv To prouyde for after clappes that might happen and chaunce.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 689 The olde adage, saiyng in tyme of peace, prouide for war, and in tyme of war, prouide for peace.
1607 T. Ridley View of Civile Law 217 Under pretence of debts unknowen which they make shew they must prouide for.
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. ii. xi. sig. P8 We may be often sollicitous to provide against many Evils and Dangers that possibly may never reach us.
1701 M. Pix Czar of Muscovy iii. ii. 34 To provide against the worst..as no one knows the uncertainty of Events, our provident Foresight will then be useful to us.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa III. 189 Every possible objection anticipated! Every accident provided against!
1796 E. Burke Corr. (1844) IV. 393 The first duty of a state is to provide for its own conservation.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian I. xviii. 340 A paper was slipped into her hand..which..assured her he had provided against interruption.
1878 W. S. Jevons Polit. Econ. i. §2. 10 Suffering from misfortunes which could not have been provided against.
1889 Pall Mall Gaz. 13 July 3/1 The bill does not provide for any storage or any compensation water to be sent down the stream.
a1901 J. Fiske Ess. Hist. & Literary (1902) i. iii. 169 The Constitution..did not provide against the indefinite reëligibility of the President.
1930 Times 3 July 10/5 Nature..has not provided against assaults upon the hearing, and we have no ‘ear-lid’ by which we can shut out noise.
1995 Harper's Mag. Mar. 29/1 What need did I have of money?...I didn't care to provide for my old age.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > foresee or foreknow [verb (transitive)]
fore-witc888
foreseec1000
foreshowc1000
seea1200
forelook1340
purvey1340
before-knowa1425
providea1450
previdec1475
provisec1475
foreknow1530
expect1595
previse1597
preview1607
precognize1612
prospect1652
fore-viewa1711
prevision1868
presee1890
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > make conditions, stipulate [verb (intransitive)]
providea1450
conditiona1513
capitulate1537
to stand upon (or on) terms1565
conditionate1642
postulate1754
stipulate1790
a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) 2945 (MED) Age provydeth euery thing Or he bygynne to casten the endyng.
c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 293 (MED) Thei seien also þat þing þat schall be-falle, In goddes sight provided it is nede.
c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) ix So vncouthly hir werdes sche deuidith, Namly In ȝouth, that seildin ought prouidith.
1540 R. Jonas tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde i. f. xlvv Euident & sufficient signes where by maye be prouyded and foresene the aborcement before it come.
1607 B. Jonson Volpone Ep. Ded. sig. ¶3 Graue, and wiser Patriotes..prouiding the hurts these licentious spirits may do in a State.
1640 J. Yorke Union of Honour 137 Of especiall counsell and advice, in providing and fore-seeing the event of any deepe designes.
II. To prepare, make preparations.† 4. transitive. To prepare, get ready, or arrange beforehand. Obsolete.† 5.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)]
yarec888
yarkc1000
graithc1175
readya1225
biredienc1275
to make yarec1290
forgraitha1300
adightc1330
buskc1330
purveyc1330
agraith1340
disposec1375
before-graithea1382
to forge and filec1381
to make readya1382
devisec1385
bounc1390
buss?a1400
address?a1425
parel?a1425
to get upc1425
providec1425
prepare1449
bakec1450
aready1470
arm?a1505
prevenea1522
get?1530
to get ready1530
to get ready1530
to set in readiness1575
apply1577
compose1612
predy1627
make1637
to dispose of1655
do1660
fallowa1764
to line up1934
prep1936
tee1938
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 669 Of þe toun þe stretis large & wyde Wer by crafte so prudently prouided, And by werkemen sette so and deuided.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xi. l. 620 Wallace in haist prouidyt son his ost.
c1500 (?a1475) Assembly of Gods (1896) 216 (MED) What pyne or greef ye for me prouyde, Without any grogyng I shall hit abyde.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Ciii Of certayne benefytes that god hath prouided for vs.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Prov. vi. A In the sommer she prouideth hir meate, & gathereth hir foode together in ye haruest.
1563 R. Reynolds Foundacion of Rhetorike sig. 10v That while age is tender and young, thei maie learne by example of the Ante, to prouide in their grene and lustie youth, some meane of art and science.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 57 The wise Ant her wintry Store provides . View more context for this quotation
1763 R. Goadby Universe Displayed 9 Every one [sc. beaver] provides his store for the winter.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. v. i. 398 He had provided a gown of coarse dark cloth, and a little red horse-hair beard.
a. intransitive. To prepare, make preparation, get ready. Frequently with infinitive. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare or get ready [verb (intransitive)]
buskc1330
agraith1340
to make readya1382
arraya1387
providec1425
prepare1517
addressa1522
apparel1523
bouna1525
buckle1563
to make frecka1572
fettle?c1600
fix1716
to set into ——1825
to show foot1825
ready1878
to fang a pump, (loosely) a well1883
prep1900
to get (oneself) organized1926
to sharpen one's pencil1957
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare or get ready [verb (intransitive)] > make preparations or arrangements
purveyc1300
providec1425
ordain1487
disponea1500
devisec1500
to take (an) order1545
dress1596
pipe lay1844
to do one's homework1915
legislate1925
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 1454 (MED) We schal lete liȝtly ouerslyde So þat ȝe beningly prouide To sende hir hom.
c1450 (?c1408) J. Lydgate Reson & Sensuallyte (1901) 3556 (MED) Ther koude no man hym provyde To save him that he was brent.
?1495 J. Lydgate St. Petronilla (Pynson) l. 105 in Minor Poems (1911) i. 158 Felliculla gan afore prouyde Maugre Flaccus to lyue in maydynhede.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 165 He prouyded to sende men and victualles to strengthen the castels of Flynt and Rutlande.
1601 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero Trauellers Breuiat 134 Let them not thinke to begin any long warre, much lesse to continue it, vnlesse they throughly prouide aforehand.
1631 B. Jonson Staple of Newes iv. i. 58 in Wks. II But stay, my Princesse comes, prouide the while, I'll call for't anone.
1692 tr. Sallust Wks. 116 He toyls, provides, and..sets all his Trains and Engines at work by Treachery to ruine Hiempsal.
1733 J. Swift Thoughts on Var. Subj. in J. Swift et al. Misc. I. 308 Very few Men..live at present, but are providing to live another Time.
1753 P. Gordon Hist. Renown’d & Valiant Prince Robert 139 Back to Angus he his Army guides, And to reduce that Pleasant Land provides.
b. transitive. With possessive and verbal noun. To prepare for. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)] > make preparations for (an event, etc.)
apparelc1314
purveya1382
prevenea1522
bespeak1582
providea1616
forespeak1659
formel1673
to set the stage1937
organize1952
to set up1965
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) iii. iv. 36 Prouide your going, Choose your owne company, and command what cost Your heart he's mind too. View more context for this quotation
6. transitive. To supply (something) for use; to make available; to yield, afford. Frequently with for, to, indicating the beneficiary. Also occasionally with indirect object without to.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide, afford, or yield
givec1200
providec1425
supporta1449
utter1547
yield1548
offer1550
afforda1568
servea1577
award1582
presenta1586
produce1585
deliver1605
officiate1667
furnish1754
to throw up1768
scale1853
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. 5598 (MED) It was..a relik..prouided to þe same place, Þer tabide for a proteccioun.
1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) 1253 (MED) Al that longyth to thy necessyte Shal be prouydyd be god and me.
a1500 Craft of Dying (Rawl.) in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1896) II. 408 (MED) Almyȝty god..disposith euer finally for oure profete..& more prouideth..þan we oure-selfe may.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 7 Al thyng that god & nature hath provydyd to hym.
1552 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16279) Administr. Lordes Supper sig. O.iv The bread and wyne for the Communion shall be prouyded by the Curate, & the churchwardens, at the charges of the Parishe.
1581 in Confer. (1584) iii. sig. R iv Prouide me ynke and paper, and I will write.
1637 J. Milton Comus 7 Such cooling fruit As the kind hospitable woods provide.
a1640 J. Fletcher et al. Beggers Bush ii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Kk3v/2 Except you do provide me hum enough and Lour to bouze with.
1666–7 Sir R. Pratt in R. T. Gunther Archit. Sir R. Pratt (1928) 155 Sollicite ye Paver to provide suffitient stone.
1694 E. Chamberlayne Angliæ Notitia (ed. 18) i. iii. xv. 249 George Shipway, Gentleman-Harbinger to provide Lodging for them.
1756 G. G. Beekman Let. 8 Apr. in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) I. 278 You are to provide a passage for them to this place per the first Vessell.
1772 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra II. lxviii. 325 This very act provides a remedy for such persons.
1800 Philos. Mag. 7 291 I provide a few dozens of small round plates or disks of copper, brass.
1847 C. G. Addison Treat. Law Contracts i. i. §2 The directors must provide funds by making calls on the shareholders.
1899 W. Besant Orange Girl ii. xxvi. 431 The contractors..do honestly provide the convicts the rations prescribed by the Government.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 108/1 A further sum was allotted to provide pensions for necessitous members of the Academy.
1942 Ld. Alanbrooke Diary 26 May in War Diaries (2001) 260 He is trying to stop deliveries of aircraft to us in order to provide sufficient aircraft to USA pilots!
1987 P. Farmer Away from Home (1988) 12 I pulled down the blind on my window, looping the cords round the little hooks provided for that purpose.
2006 Gardens Monthly Apr. 33/1 The diminutive Oxalis enjoys the good drainage provided by a rockery or raised bed.
7. transitive. Christian Church. To appoint (an incumbent) to a vacant benefice; esp. (of the Pope) to appoint (a successor) to a benefice not yet vacant. Cf. provision n. 2, provisor n. 1. Now historical.In quot. 1580: to appoint (a person) to a pension.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > benefice > advowson > provide with advowson [verb (transitive)] > present to or provide with benefice
beneficec1383
provenderc1400
provide1426
present1595
collate1702
1426 W. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 7 Ther arn ij other persones prouided to þe same bysshopriche yet lyuyng beforn my seyd aduersarie.
1580 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 324 His brother german, being lauchfullie providit to ane yeirlie pensioun..wes slane..in quhais place the said Alexander, being providit to the said pensioun, bruikit the samin peciabillie.
1593–4 in G. P. McNeill Exchequer Rolls Scotl. (1903) XXII. 393 Johnne Balfour, providit of auld to the chapellanie of Sanct Thomas.
a1639 J. Spottiswood Hist. Church Scotl. (1677) ii. 59 Shevez posted to Rome..and was himself provided to the Archbishoprick.
1693 A. Harmer Specim. Errors Hist. Reformation Church of Eng. i. 4 Wolsey therefore being provided to the Bishoprick of Lincoln by the Pope on the 6th of Febr.
1711 J. Anderson Countrey-man's Let. to Curat 51 John Rough..fled to England..and was afterwards Provided to a Benefice by the Archbishop of York.
1771 E. Kimber & R. Johnson Wotton's Baronetage of Eng. III. 85 Provided to the bishopric of Chichester, by the pope, and consecrated by the holy father himself, on the first Sunday in Lent, anno 1247.
1887 J. H. Lupton Life Colet 121 He was provided, in 1504, to the vacant see of St. David's.
1899 G. M. Trevelyan Eng. Age Wycliffe 120 The Papal power of ‘providing’ to benefices.
1953 E. F. Jacob Ess. in Conciliar Epoch 234 Thomas de Bingham..was provided to a benefice in the gift of the prior and convent of Spalding.
1987 R. R. Davies Age of Conquest (2000) vii. 192 In 1219..Pandulf, the papal legate, provided William, prior of Goldcliff, to the see of Llandaff.
III. To supply someone; to equip with the necessary resources.† 9.
8.
a. intransitive. To make provision for a person or animal, esp. with regard to maintenance; to supply the necessary resources. Frequently in prepositional passive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide for the wants or needs of
frameOE
providec1425
sorrow1481
stake1547
exhibit1601
sorry1601
consult1682
organize1892
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. 2640 (MED) I wil now for my silf prouide.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 1171 I was there nerehonde slayne, but as Jesu provyded for me.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Chron. xxiii. A Therfore wyl I prouyde for him.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry f. 138 v Sheepe..must be well prouided for in winter.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 v. v. 97 His wonted followers Shall all be very well prouided for. View more context for this quotation
1632 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Eromena 194 The old King seeing his sonnes thus well match'd, and Polimero so well provided for and setled.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 103 When she has calv'd, then set the Dam aside; And for the tender Progeny provide . View more context for this quotation
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 19 Lady Margaret Dowglas was the child so provided for.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa V. xxxviii. 283 I will provide for Dorcas Martindale in a gentlewoman-like manner.
1764 R. Burn Hist. Poor Laws 202 Thus hath the wisdom of the nation..been employed for ages, in providing properly for the poor, and yet they are not properly provided for.
1801 S. T. Coleridge Coll. Lett. (1956) II. 767 I do it in the earnest desire to provide for her..that while I live, she may enjoy the comforts of life.
1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. I. i. 44 The essential duty of every man being to provide honestly for himself and his family.
1883 M. Oliphant Hester (1984) xxi. 208 It was good of her brother..to take upon himself the responsibility of providing for Emma.
1909 T. Johnston Our Scots Noble Families 90 King Robert..looked well after his fly-by-night progeny, and to provide for this son of his.., he erected in 1385 the Islands of Bute, Arran, and Cumbrae.
1949 M. Mead Male & Female ix. 190 Man, the heir of tradition, provides for women and children.
1991 Moneywise Sept. 67/1 Accumulation and maintenance trusts..are designed to provide for children or grandchildren under 25.
b. intransitive. To supply the necessary resources for a thing to happen or exist.
ΚΠ
1550 R. Crowley One & Thyrtye Epigrammes sig. Av What occasion was here, To provide for learninge and make pouertye chere?
1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) sig. P4v Your father in his life time did not meanely provide for your marriage.
1653 E. Waterhouse Humble Apol. Learning Pref. Nothing..is so great a security to the main-guard of Religion, as well to provide for her out-ports & lines of learning.
a1677 I. Barrow Of Love of God (1680) 50 The..bounty and munificence with which this great paterfamilias hath provided for the necessary sustenance..of his creatures.
1702 C. Mather Magnalia Christi v. ii. vii. 28/1 The..Work of a Deacon is..to serve the tables, which the Church is to provide for; as the Lord's-Table, the Table of the Ministers.
1865 G. Meredith Rhoda Fleming xxix There was something desperately amusing to him in the thought that he had not even money enough to..provide for a repast.
1919 J. L. Garvin Econ. Found. Peace 145 Government..has to provide for re-absorbing most of the disbanded munition workers into civil occupations.
1975 Countryman Autumn 79 She was supposed to provide for the housekeeping from the egg money.
2000 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 15 June 18/1 Harry..darts away and will return with money which will provide for an astonishing trip to London.
a. transitive. To equip or fit out (a person, nation, etc.) with what is necessary for a certain purpose; to supply with something implied. Obsolete.In quot. 1628: to furnish with a lodging.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide or supply (a person or thing) with anything > equip or outfit
frameOE
dightc1275
fayc1275
graith1297
attire1330
purveyc1330
shapec1330
apparel1366
harnessc1380
ordaina1387
addressa1393
array1393
pare1393
feata1400
point1449
reparel?c1450
provide1465
fortify1470
emparel1480
appoint1490
deck?15..
equip1523
trim1523
accoutre1533
furnish1548
accommodate1552
fraught1571
suit1572
to furnish up1573
to furnish out1577
rig1579
to set out1585
equipage1590
outreik1591
befit1598
to furnish forth1600
fita1616
to fit up1670
outrig1681
to fit out1722
mount?1775
outfit1798
habilitate1824
arm1860
to fake out1871
heel1873
1465 in J. Stuart & G. Burnett Exchequer Rolls Scotl. (1884) VII. 321 Gevin..in parte of sustentacione of him unto the tyme that he be bettir providit, ten poundis.
1536 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/4) Payd to Colney for to provide hym selfe away xijd.
1588 R. Parke tr. J. G. de Mendoza Hist. Kingdome of China 121 They do take so much fish, that they do prouide the whole kingdome for all the yeare.
1628 Earl of Manchester in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 268 Werden tells me he hath provided you not far from the Parliament.
1656 H. Phillippes Purchasers Pattern (1676) B ix b The first Builder is sufficiently provided by his workman to testifie his cost.
1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada i. v. i. 53 We are not provided for a siege... The foe is strong without, we weak within.
1701 C. Davenant Ess. 146 When he should be fully provided for the Expedition, That he would not put a stop to it, till all was ended one way or other.
b. transitive (reflexive). To equip or prepare oneself; to make oneself ready. Occasionally with against, or with infinitive. Cf. senses 4, 5. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply [verb (reflexive)] > equip oneself
purveyc1300
warnisha1400
adub?1473
provide1490
prepare1586
equip1841
1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xlvii. 182 [They] ordeyned & prouyded theym self soo, that they fered but lytyl Subyon or nouȝte.
1591 Protocol Bk. J. Inglis 9 Apr. James protestit that he meycht ramane in the said tak..to the effect he meycht prouid hym self.
c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 2 A speciall commaundement..that they should generallie provide themselves to goe with him the Sonday followinge..to the church.
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iii. iii. 7 King... Therefore prepare you... Guyl. We will our selues prouide.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine ii. x. 212 Hence the sea running southward provides it self to entertain a nameless brook.
a1652 J. Smith Select Disc. (1660) x. ii. 461 If we will provide our selves against the Devil, who never misseth any opportunity..to tempt us.
1721 C. Cibber Refusal iii. 50 As for my Lady, the Devil would not live with her; and so, Madam, I desire you will provide yourself.
1776 S. Foote Bankrupt iii. 69 I shall quit the mortality walk, so provide yourself as soon as you can.
1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby xliii. 423 I..mean to look out for another situation; so provide yourselves, gentlemen, if you please.
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xxxix. 389 If you could be so good as provide yourself soon, Captain, it would be a great convenience to me.
10. transitive. To supply (a person, animal, place, etc.) with something. Frequently in passive.† a. With of. Obsolete.† c. Scottish. With in. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide or supply (a person or thing) with anything
feather?c1225
serve?c1225
astore1297
purveya1325
purveyc1325
warnishc1330
supply1384
bego1393
garnish?a1400
stuff14..
instore1432
relievec1480
providec1485
appurvey1487
support?1507
furnishc1515
repair1518
supply1529
speed1531
help (a person) to (also with)1569
sort1598
suffice1600
enduea1616
starta1640
employ1690
find1713
to fix out1725
issue1737
service1969
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Gouernaunce of Princis (1993) xii. 77 And se yat thou ger thy providouris..be ay..providit of cornis and othir prouisiouns nedefull.
a1549 A. Borde Fyrst Bk. Introd. Knowl. (1870) xiv. 160 Howbeit the good townes be prouyded of vitels.
1556 tr. J. de Flores Histoire de Aurelio & Isabelle sig. P8 Prouyde you of trew contricion and patience.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry f. 129 You must prouide them of warme pastures for the winter, and in sommer, very coole.
1618 W. Lawson New Orchard & Garden i. 1 Whosoever desireth..to haue a pleasant, and profitable Orchard, must..prouide himselfe of a Fruiterer..Skilfull in that facultie.
1657 W. Rand tr. P. Gassendi Mirrour of Nobility iii. 172 Viassius..providing him of a ship, sent him away.
1671 J. Caryll Sir Salomon v. 84 I'm already provided of a wiser Governor then your Worship.
1723 E. Chambers tr. S. Le Clerc Treat. Archit. I. 142 When an Architect is not provided of an able Painter fit to manage a Work of this kind.
1728 J. Morgan Compl. Hist. Algiers I. iv. 260 Provided of all requisite Entertainment for at least a Twelvemonth.
1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose p. xv. in Waverley Novels XV. Being provided of more [boots] of the same kind, I made myselfe reddie, and rode to the head-quarters.
b. With with.
ΚΠ
a1500 (?a1422) J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Adv.) in W. B. D. D. Turnbull Visions of Tundale (1843) 98 With help of her..So prudently with vertu hus to provyde.
1568 (?a1513) W. Dunbar in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1928) II. 147 How þat this realme, with nobillis owt of nummer gydit, provydit, sa mony ȝeiris hes bene.
1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 1 Prouided with all complete provisions of Warre.
1675 in M. Wood Extracts Rec. Burgh Edinb. (1950) X. 253 The masters..to proyd him with a chamber haveing a fyre.
1707 G. Farquhar Beaux Stratagem i. 7 We are an inland Town, and indifferently provided with Fish.
1753 J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea I. xi. 78 I provided myself with a sleeping waggon, and..took post for St. Petersburg.
1798 S. Lee Young Lady's Tale in H. Lee Canterbury Tales II. 167 His valet [was] provided with phosphoric matches, by which he had now lit a taper.
1841 E. W. Lane tr. Thousand & One Nights I. 71 They..provide themselves with sweet cakes, bread, dates.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxii. 151 The waiter then provided me with a ham sandwich.
1892 Daily News 13 May 5/4 It is the object of the League to provide them with a place in which to spend this off-time.
1913 C. Grahame-White Aviation 214 The pilot and his passenger are provided with a completely covered body, which they enter through a small door.
1954 J. Corbett Temple Tiger 115 I have repeatedly asserted that tigers have no sense of smell, and the cubs were providing me with ample proof of that assertion.
1990 S. Fraser in M. Kurc That reminds Me xi. 45 Since we were all so famous, no one had provided us with namecards.
ΚΠ
1586–7 in G. P. McNeill Exchequer Rolls Scotl. (1901) XXI. 61 [He] sall..provyid and furneis his majesteis hous and haill tabillis..in naiprie, fyireweschell, and tyneveschell.
1786 R. Burns Tam o' Shanter 107 in Poems & Songs (1968) I. 141 Chance an' fortune are sae guided, They're ay in less or mair provided.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.?a1475
v.1423