Main Entry:

pre·pense

Pronunciation:

\pri-ˈpen(t)s\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

by shortening & alteration from earlier purpensed, from Middle English, past participle of purpensen to deliberate, premeditate, from Anglo-French purpenser, from pur- thoroughly + penser to think — more at purchase, pensive

Date:

1702

: planned beforehand : premeditated —usually used postpositively <malice prepense>

— pre·pense·ly adverb