[pre.cau.tion] n [F precaution, fr. LL praecaution-, praecautio, fr. L praecavere to guard against, fr. prae- + cavere to be on one's guard--more at hear] (1603) 1: care taken in advance: foresight "warned of the need for ~"
2: a measure taken beforehand to prevent harm or secure good: safeguard -- pre.cau.tion.ary adj