1. (n.) The act of providing, or making previous preparation.

2. (n.) That which is provided or prepared; that which is brought together or arranged in advance; measures taken beforehand; preparation.

3. (n.) Especially, a stock of food; any kind of eatables collected or stored; -- often in the plural.

4. (n.) That which is stipulated in advance; a condition; a previous agreement; a proviso; as, the provisions of a contract; the statute has many provisions.

5. (n.) A canonical term for regular induction into a benefice, comprehending nomination, collation, and installation.

6. (n.) A nomination by the pope to a benefice before it became vacant, depriving the patron of his right of presentation.

7. (v. t.) To supply with food; to victual; as, to provision a garrison.