/ ˈprɒvɪns; NAmE ˈprɑːv-/ noun
1.
[ C ] one of the areas that some countries are divided into with its own local government :
the provinces of Canada
2.
the provinces [ pl. ] ( BrE ) all the parts of a country except the capital city :
The show will tour the provinces after it closes in London.
a shy young man from the provinces
3.
[ sing. ] ( formal ) a person's particular area of knowledge, interest or responsibility :
Such decisions are normally the province of higher management.
I'm afraid the matter is outside my province (= I cannot or need not deal with it) .
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French , from Latin provincia charge, province, of uncertain ultimate origin.