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eserve, or coyness; one who is overscrupulous or sensitive; one who affects extraordinary prudence in conduct and speech. Less modest than the speech of prudes. Swift.

The quality or state of being prudent; wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality. Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, seasons, and method of doing or not doing. Sir M. Hale. Prudence supposes the value of the end to…

Prudence. [Obs.] Hakluyt.

duct; practically wise; judicious; careful; discreet; sensible; -- opposed to rash; as, a prudent man; dictated or directed by prudence or wise forethought; evincing prudence; as, prudent behavior. Moses established a grave and prudent law. Milton.

Proceeding from, or dictated or characterized by, prudence; prudent; discreet; sometimes, selfish or pecuniary as distinguished from higher motives or influences; as, prudential motives. " A prudential line of conduct." Sir W. Scott.

One who is governed by, or acts from, prudential motives. [R.] Coleridge.

The quality or state of being prudential. Sir T. Browne.

In a prudential manner; prudently. South.

In a prudent manner.

The quality or state of being prudish; excessive or affected scrupulousness in speech or conduct; stiffness; coyness. Cowper.

The quality or state of being imprudent; want to caution, circumspection, or a due regard to consequences; indiscretion; inconsideration; reshness; also, an imprudent act; as, he was guilty of an imprudence. His serenity was interrupted, perhaps, by his own imprudence. Mickle.

Not prudent; wanting in prudence or discretion; indiscreet; injudicious; not attentive to consequence; improper. -- Im*pru"dent*ly, adv. Her majesty took a great dislike at the imprudent behavior of many of the ministers and readers. Strype.

due administration of justice. The talents of Abelard were not confined to theology, jurisprudence, philosophy. J. Warton. Medical jurisprudence, that branch of juridical law which concerns questions of medicine.

Understanding law; skilled in jurisprudence. G. West.

Of or pertaining to jurisprudence. Stewart.

Imprudence. [Obs.]

Imprudent. [Obs.]

Imprudent. [Obs.] "The most unwise and unprudential act." Milton.

usual course of events as is not to be looked for in advance, and against which ordinary prudence could not guard. -- Act of grace, an expression often used to designate an act declaring pardon or amnesty to numerous offenders, as at the beginning of a new reign. -- Act of indemnity, a statute passed for the protect…

The system of jurisprudence of admiralty courts.