<OL TYPE="1"><LI>to make ready, prepare<OL TYPE="a"><LI>to make the necessary preparations, get everything ready</OL><LI>metaph.<OL TYPE="a"><LI>drawn from the oriental custom of sending on before kings on their journeys persons to level the roads and make them passable<LI>to prepare the minds of men to give the Messiah a fit reception and secure his blessings</OL></OL>