Prev"a*lence (?), n. [L.
praevalentia: cf. F. prévalence. See
Prevail.] The quality or condition of being prevalent;
superior strength, force, or influence; general existence, reception,
or practice; wide extension; as, the prevalence of virtue, of a
fashion, or of a disease; the prevalence of a rumor.
The duke better knew what kind of argument were of
prevalence with him.
Clarendon.