- provision (n.)
- c.1380, "providing beforehand" (originally in ref. to ecclesiastical appointments made before the position was vacant), from O.Fr. provision (1320), from L. provisionem (nom. provisio) "foresight, preparation," from providere "look ahead" (see provide). Meaning "something provided" is attested from 1494; specific sense of "supply of food" is from 1610. The verb is attested from 1805 (implied in provisioned). Provisional "of a temporary arrangement," first recorded 1601, from O.Fr. provisionnal (c.1485), on notion of "provide for present needs."