Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-PARE, v.t. [Fr. preparer; It. preparare; Sp. and Port. preparar; from L. præparar; præ and paro; Russ. ubirayu; W. parodi. The L. paro is probably the Shemitic ברא, بَرَأ, to create or bring forth, coinciding with English bear; and from the L. are derived Fr. parer, Sp. and Port. parar, It. parare. The sense of prepare is derived from many kinds of actions. See ברא in the Introduction.]

1. In a general sense, to fit, adapt or qualify for a particular purpose, end, use, service or state, by any means whatever. We prepare ground for seed by tillage; we prepare cloth for use by dressing; we prepare medicines by pulverization, mixture, &c.; we prepare young men for college by previous instruction; men are prepared for professions by suitable study; holiness of heart as necessary to prepare men for the enjoyment of happiness with holy beings.
2. To make ready; as, to prepare the table for entertaining company.
3. To provide; to procure as suitable; as, to prepare arms, ammunition and provisions for troops; to prepare ships for defense. Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. – 2 Sam. xv.
4. To set; to establish. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens. – Ps. ciii.
5. To appoint. It shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. – Matth. xx.
6. To guide, direct or establish. – 1 Chron. xxix.