n. & v.
n. 1 a (often in pl.) an expectation, esp. of success in a career etc. (his prospects were brilliant; offers a gloomy prospect; no prospect of success). b something one has to look forward to (don't relish the prospect of meeting him). 2 an extensive view of landscape etc. (a striking prospect). 3 a mental picture (a new prospect in his mind). 4 a a place likely to yield mineral deposits. b a sample of ore for testing. c the resulting yield. 5 a possible or probable customer, subscriber, etc.
v. 1 intr. (usu. foll. by for) a explore a region for gold etc. b look out for or search for something. 2 tr. a explore (a region) for gold etc. b work (a mine) experimentally. c (of a mine) promise (a specified yield). prospect well (or ill etc.) (of a mine) promise well (or ill etc.). prospectless adj. prospector n.
[ ME f. L prospectus: see PROSPECTUS ]