prevenance

Noun

prevenance (countable and uncountable, plural prevenances)

1. (uncountable) A going before; anticipation in sequence or order.
   • The law of prevenance is simply the well-known law of phenomenal sequence.1779, William George Ward, “Free Will”, in The Dublin Review
   • We have argued then, that mankind not only have an idea of causality, distinct from the idea of prevenance; but that they have a conviction that causality exists among phenomena , and not mere prevenance.1876, “Mr. Mill on Causation”, in The Dublin Review, volume 79, page 74
2. (uncountable) Solicitousness; thoughtfulness; complaisance.
   • So reasoned Arlington, during the time of dinner; and though he would have willingly risked wounding Lady Walmer's feelings, in preference to offending Emily, he had not courage to pay the latter any of the countless and nameless acts of prevenance, which she had been for weeks accustomed to...1835, Marguerite Gardiner, The Two Friends, page 149
   • Among the higher circles of society this latter quality prevails very generally, while the gentlemen have more prevenance towards ladies.1838, Catharine Mary Howard, Reminiscences for my children, page 260
3. (countable) An act of kindness; a courteous or thoughtful gesture.
   • Married meetings are now of a far different complexion; and although there is certainly will enough on both sides, yet the preventions, or preventatives, or even the prevenances, are not to be found upon the poet's plan.1818, Thomas Brown, Bath, a satirical novel, page 184
   • It was the early days of their marriage over again: the same good humour, prevenances, merriment, and artless confidence and regard.1848, William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, page 667