premunition

pre·mu·ni·tion

noun \ˌprē-myu̇-ˈni-shən\

Definition of PREMUNITION

1

archaic : an advance provision of protection

2

a : resistance to a disease due to the existence of its causative agent in a state of physiological equilibrium in the host b : immunity to a particular infection due to previous presence of the causative agent

Origin of PREMUNITION

Latin praemunition-, praemunitio strengthening of an argument to forestall objections, from praemunire to fortify in advance, from prae- + munire to fortify — more at munition

First Known Use: 1607