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.
[R.]
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.
© Webster 1913.
Pros"pect, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prospected; p. pr. & vb. n. Prospecting.]
To look over; to explore or examine for something; as, to prospect a district for gold.
© Webster 1913.
Pros"pect, v. i.
To make a search; to seek; to explore, as for mines or the like; as, to prospect for gold.
© Webster 1913.