prevenance

A going before; anticipation in sequence or order.

The law of prevenance is simply the well-known law of phenomenal sequence.

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.

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 receive from him.

Among the higher circles of society this latter quality prevails very generally, while the gentlemen have more prevenance towards ladies.

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.

It was the early days of their marriage over again: the same good humour, prevenances, merriment, and artless confidence and regard.