v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Prevailed p. pr. & vb. n. Prevailing. ] [ F. prévaloir, OF. prevaleir, L. praevalere; prae before + valere to be strong, able, or worth. See Valiant. ] 1. To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage; to have the upper hand, or the mastery; to succeed; -- sometimes with over or against. [ 1913 Webster ]

When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Ex. xvii. 11. [ 1913 Webster ]

So David prevailed over the Philistine. 1 Sam. xvii. 50. [ 1913 Webster ]

This kingdom could never prevail against the united power of England. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To be in force; to have effect, power, or influence; to be predominant; to have currency or prevalence; to obtain; as, the practice prevails this day. [ 1913 Webster ]

This custom makes the short-sighted bigots, and the warier skeptics, as far as it prevails. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To persuade or induce; -- with on, upon, or with; as, I prevailedon him to wait. [ 1913 Webster ]

He was prevailed with to restrain the Earl. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Prevail upon some judicious friend to be your constant hearer, and allow him the utmost freedom. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Having superior force or influence; efficacious; persuasive. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Saints shall assist thee with prevailing prayers. Rowe. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Predominant; prevalent; most general; as, the prevailing disease of a climate; a prevailing opinion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. See Prevalent. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. So as to prevail. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Prevalence; superior influence; efficacy. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]