See Also: precaution(1)(dictionary)
precaution(2)(dictionary)
precaution(dictionary)

precaution(1) (iou)



precaution noun. L16.
[French precaution from late Latin praecautio(n-), from praecaut- pa. ppl stem of praecavere, from prae- PRE- + cavere take heed.]
Caution exercised beforehand; prudent foresight. L16.
F. Clissold The danger in this place defies precaution.
A measure taken beforehand to avoid a danger or ensure a good result. E17.
I. Fleming As a precaution, the storm shutters were battened down over the portholes. J. Herriot Jeff never took any hygenic precautions such as washing his hands.
b. spec. A precaution against conception in sexual intercourse. Usu. in pl. colloq. M20.
G. Paley He got onto me right where we were, and..we were so happy we forgot the precautions.
precautional adjective (rare) precautionary M17.
precautionary adjective (a) advising caution; (b) of the nature of a precaution: M18.