The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Providence \Prov"i*dence\, n. [L. providentia: cf. F.
   providence. See Provident, and cf. Prudence.]
   1. The act of providing or preparing for future use or
      application; a making ready; preparation.
      [1913 Webster]

            Providence for war is the best prevention of it.
                                                  --Bacon.
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   2. Foresight; care; especially, the foresight and care which
      God manifests for his creatures; hence, God himself,
      regarded as exercising a constant wise prescience.
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            The world was all before them, where to choose
            Their place of rest, and Providence their guide.
                                                  --Milton.
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   3. (Theol.) A manifestation of the care and superintendence
      which God exercises over his creatures; an event ordained
      by divine direction.
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            He that hath a numerous family, and many to provide
            for, needs a greater providence of God. --Jer.
                                                  Taylor.
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   4. Prudence in the management of one's concerns; economy;
      frugality.
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            It is a high point of providence in a prince to cast
            an eye rather upon actions than persons. --Quarles.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

Providence
    n 1: the capital and largest city of Rhode Island; located in
         northeastern Rhode Island on Narragansett Bay; site of
         Brown University [syn: Providence, capital of Rhode
         Island]
    2: the guardianship and control exercised by a deity; "divine
       providence"
    3: a manifestation of God's foresightful care for his creatures
    4: the prudence and care exercised by someone in the management
       of resources [ant: improvidence, shortsightedness]