Dictionary entry

Prospect

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pros″pect (?), n. [L. prospectus, fr. prospicere, prospectum, to look forward; pro before, forward + specere, spicere, look, to see: cf. OF. prospect. See Spy, v., and cf. Prospectus.] 1. That which is embraced by eye in vision; the region which the eye overlooks at one time; view; scene; outlook.

His eye discovers unaware

The goodly prospect of some foreign land. Milton.

2. Especially, a picturesque or widely extended view; a landscape; hence, a sketch of a landscape.

I went to Putney... to take prospects in crayon. Evelyn.

3. A position affording a fine view; a lookout.

Him God beholding from his prospect high. Milton.

4. Relative position of the front of a building or other structure; face; relative aspect.

And their prospect was toward the south. Ezek. xl. 44.

5. The act of looking forward; foresight; anticipation; as, a prospect of the future state. Locke.

Is he a prudent man as to his temporal estate, that lays designs only for a day, without any prospect to, or provision for, the remaining part of life? Tillotson.

6. That which is hoped for; ground for hope or expectation; expectation; probable result; as, the prospect of success. “To brighter prospects born.” Cowper.

These swell their prospectsd exalt their pride,

When offers are disdain'd, and love deny'd. Pope.