'Preventive service' definitions:

Definition of 'Preventive service'

From: GCIDE
  • Preventive \Pre*vent"ive\, a. [Cf. F. pr['e]ventif.]
  • 1. Going before; preceding. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • Any previous counsel or preventive understanding. --Cudworth. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Tending to defeat or hinder; obviating; preventing the access of; as, a medicine preventive of disease. [1913 Webster]
  • Physic is either curative or preventive. --Sir T. Browne. [1913 Webster]
  • Preventive service, the duty performed by the armed police in guarding the coast against smuggling. [Eng] [1913 Webster]