Pre*vail" (?), 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.] 1. 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.
When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed,
and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
Ex. xvii. 11.
So David prevailed over the
Philistine.
1 Sam. xvii. 50.
This kingdom could never prevail against the
united power of England.
Swift.
2. 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.
This custom makes the short-sighted bigots, and the
warier skeptics, as far as it prevails.
Locke.
3. To persuade or induce; -- with on,
upon, or with; as, I prevailedon him to
wait.
He was prevailed with to restrain the
Earl.
Clarendon.
Prevail upon some judicious friend to be your
constant hearer, and allow him the utmost freedom.
Swift.