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.