Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To fit, adapt, or qualify for a particular purpose or condition; to make ready; to put into a state for use or application; as, to prepare ground for seed; to prepare a lesson.

2. (v. t.) To procure as suitable or necessary; to get ready; to provide; as, to prepare ammunition and provisions for troops; to prepare ships for defense; to prepare an entertainment.

3. (v. i.) To make all things ready; to put things in order; as, to prepare for a hostile invasion.

4. (v. i.) To make one's self ready; to get ready; to take the necessary previous measures; as, to prepare for death.

5. (n.) Preparation.