Prev"a*lence (?), n. [L. praevalentia: cf. F. pr'evalence. See Prevail.]
The quality or condition of being prevalent; superior strength, force, or influence; general existence, reception, or practice; wide extension; as, the prevalence of virtue, of a fashion, or of a disease; the prevalence of a rumor.
The duke better knew what kind of argument were of prevalence with him.
Clarendon.
© Webster 1913.