prepense

adjective pre·pense \pri-ˈpen(t)s\

Definition of PREPENSE

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

— pre·pense·ly adverb

Origin of PREPENSE

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

First Known Use: 1702

Rhymes with PREPENSE

defense, expense, horse sense, incense, nonsense, past tense, sequence, sixth sense

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