noun

1. a providing, preparing, or supplying of something
2. 1. something provided, prepared, or supplied for the future
   2. a stock of food and other supplies assembled for future needs
3. a preparatory arrangement or measure taken in advance for meeting some future need
4. a clause, as in a legal document, agreement, etc., stipulating or requiring some specific thing; proviso; condition
5. Eccles. appointment to an office; esp., advance appointment by the pope to a see or benefice that is not yet vacant

Etymology: ME provysion < MFr provision < L provisio, a foreseeing < provisus, pp. of providere: see provide

transitive verb