[a. Mfr. advertance, -ence, refashioned f. OFr. avertance, -ence:—late L. advertentia attention, notice, f. advertent-em pr. pple. of advert-ĕre: see ADVERT and -NCE.] The action or process of adverting or turning the attention to; observation, notice, heed, attention, consideration. Often passing into the habit or quality, which is properly expressed by ADVERTENCY.
a. 1370. Chaucer, Troylus, V. 1258. What guilte of me? what fel experience Hath fro me rafte, allas! thyn advertence?
1430. Lydg., Chron. Troy, I. i. Their [the ants’] wisdome their prudent advertence Besy labour and wilful diligence.
1509. Barclay, Ship of Fooles, 258 b. If he with good aduertence looke therein. Ibid. (1557), Jugurthe (Paynell), 106. The Romayns intentifely gaue aduertens to the demeanour of their enemies.
1673. Lady’s Calling, I. V. § 74, 56. A serious advertence to the divine presence is the most certain curb to all disorderly appetites.
1722. Wollaston, Relig. Nat., ii. 33. The finer or nicer the advertence or reflexion is, into the more parts is the time divided.
1848. Mill, Pol. Econ., V. vii. § 2 (1876), 529. To this difference it is right that advertence shall be had in regulating taxation.
