Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Providence

Providence , noun

[Latin providentia: compare French providence. See Provident, and compare 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.
(Theology) 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