prəˈvī(ˌ)zō, prōˈ- noun
( plural provisos or provisoes )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, provided (abl. of provisum, neuter of provisus, past participle of providēre to provide), in proviso quod provided that, a phrase with which clauses in medieval legal documents often began — more at provide
1. : an article or clause (as in a statute, contract, or grant) that introduces a condition, qualification, or limitation and usually begins with the word provided
a proviso … to modify the operation of that part of the statute — G.D.Oxner
— compare purview
2. : a conditional stipulation : reservation
expresses the belief only with a skeptical proviso — H.R.Finch
Synonyms: see condition