All 4 Uses

prevail
in
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
(Edited)

Tensions rose, but peace prevailed, largely because of the tireless efforts of a forward-thinking mayor, Malcolm Maclean, and a nonviolent strategy adopted by black leaders, notably W. W. Law, the head of the local branch of the NAACP.
p. 42.8 *

prevailed = won (was accepted)
The prevailing opinion in the corridors of the courthouse was that Bobby Lee Cook had raised just enough doubt about the state's case to enable jurors to vote "not guilty" in good conscience.
p. 220.5 *

prevailing = most common
When you add to these activities the constant comings and goings of the tenants who live in the upstairs apartments—they must all walk through Mr. Odom's entrance hall to reach the stairway—you have an idea of the chaotic atmosphere that prevails.
p. 262.1

prevails = is common
On the surface, at least, a remarkable civility prevailed.
p. 335.9

prevailed = won (was accepted)

Definitions:

(1) (prevail as in: reason will prevail)
prove superior or win
(2) (prevail as in: she prevailed upon him)
use persuasion -- especially successfully

The expression "prevail upon your patience" or "prevail upon your kindness" means to appeal to the listeners patience or kindness as a method of persuasion.
(3) (prevailing as in: prevailing attitude)
most common, powerful, or influential
(4) (prevail as in: rare, but still prevails)
to be in force; or to have some power or influence
(5) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)