provision

n. [ L. provisio: cf. F. provision. See Provide. ] 1. The act of providing, or making previous preparation. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is provided or prepared; that which is brought together or arranged in advance; measures taken beforehand; preparation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Making provision for the relief of strangers. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Especially, a stock of food; any kind of eatables collected or stored; -- often in the plural. [ 1913 Webster ]

And of provisions laid in large,
For man and beast. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. That which is stipulated in advance; a condition; a previous agreement; a proviso; as, the provisions of a contract; the statute has many provisions. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (R. C. Ch.) A canonical term for regular induction into a benefice, comprehending nomination, collation, and installation. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Eng. Hist.) A nomination by the pope to a benefice before it became vacant, depriving the patron of his right of presentation. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]