Provision, n.
Etymology: [L. provisio: cf. F. provision. See Provide.]
1. The act of providing, or making previous preparation. Shak.
2. That which is provided or prepared; that which is brought together or arranged in advance; measures taken beforehand; preparation. Making provision for the relief of strangers. Bacon.
3. Especially, a stock of food; any kind of eatables collected or stored; -- often in the plural. And of provisions laid in large, For man and beast. Milton.
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.
4 more senses
5. (R. C. Ch.)
A canonical term for regular induction into a benefice, comprehending nomination, collation, and installation.
6. (Eng. Hist.)
A nomination by the pope to a benefice before it became vacant, depriving the patron of his right of presentation. Blackstone.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Provision, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Provisioned; p. pr. & vb. n. Provisioning.]
To supply with food; to victual; as, to provision a garrison. They were provisioned for a journey. Palfrey.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists provision only as an antonym, under accident.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.