Pros"pect (?), n. [L. prospectus, fr. prospicere, prospectum, to look forward; pro before, forward + specere, spicere, look, to see: cf. OF. prospect. See Spy, v., and cf. Prospectus.] 1. That which is embraced by eye in vision; the region which the eye overlooks at one time; view; scene; outlook.

His eye discovers unaware
The goodly prospect of some foreign land.

2. Especially, a picturesque or widely extended view; a landscape; hence, a sketch of a landscape.

I went to Putney . . . to take prospects in crayon.

3. A position affording a fine view; a lookout. [R.]

Him God beholding from his prospect high.

4. Relative position of the front of a building or other structure; face; relative aspect.

And their prospect was toward the south.

5. The act of looking forward; foresight; anticipation; as, a prospect of the future state. Locke.

Is he a prudent man as to his temporal estate, that lays designs only for a day, without any prospect to, or provision for, the remaining part of life ?

6. That which is hoped for; ground for hope or expectation; expectation; probable result; as, the prospect of success. "To brighter prospects born." Cowper.

These swell their prospectsd exalt their pride,
When offers are disdain'd, and love deny'd.

Pros"pect, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prospected; p. pr. & vb. n. Prospecting.] To look over; to explore or examine for something; as, to prospect a district for gold.

Pros"pect, v. i. To make a search; to seek; to explore, as for mines or the like; as, to prospect for gold.

• The potential things that may come to pass, usually favorable.
  
• To search, as for gold; one who surveys the land for favorable prospects.