Defn: The act of anticipating another's wishes, desires, etc., in the way of favor or courtesy; hence, civility; obligingness. [Obs.] Sterne.
PREVENE
Pre*vene", v. t. & i. Etym: [F. prévenir, L. praevenire. See
Prevent.]
Defn: To come before; to anticipate; hence, to hinder; to prevent.
[Obs.] Philips.
PREVENIENCE
Pre*ven"i*ence, n.
Defn: The act of going before; anticipation. [R.]
PREVENIENT
Pre*ven"i*ent, a. Etym: [L. praeveniens, p. pr.]
Defn: Going before; preceding; hence, preventive. "Prevenient grace descending." Milton.
PREVENT
Pre*vent", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prevented; p. pr. & vb. n.
Preventing.] Etym: [L. praevenire, praeventum; prae before + venire
to come. See Come.]
1. To go before; to precede; hence, to go before as a guide; to direct. [Obs.] We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 1 Thess. iv. 15. We pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us. Bk. of Common Prayer. Then had I come, preventing Sheba's queen. Prior.
2. To be beforehand with; to anticipate. [Obs.] Their ready guilt preventing thy commands. Pope.