GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Prevail , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Prevailed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Prevailing.] [F. prévaloir, OF. prevaleir, L. praevalere; prae before + valere to be strong, able, or worth. See Valiant.]
   To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage; to have the upper hand, or the mastery; to succeed; -- sometimes with over or against.
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   When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
   Ex. xvii. 11.
   
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   So David prevailed over the Philistine.
   1 Sam. xvii. 50.
   
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   This kingdom could never prevail against the united power of England.
   Swift.
   
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   To be in force; to have effect, power, or influence; to be predominant; to have currency or prevalence; to obtain; as, the practice prevails this day.
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   This custom makes the short-sighted bigots, and the warier skeptics, as far as it prevails.
   Locke.
   
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   To persuade or induce; -- with on, upon, or with; as, I prevailedon him to wait.
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   He was prevailed with to restrain the Earl.
   Clarendon.
   
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   Prevail upon some judicious friend to be your constant hearer, and allow him the utmost freedom.
   Swift.
   
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