n. [ OE. for Prussia: cf. F. Prusse. ] Prussian leather. [ Obs. ] Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F., prudish, originally, discreet, modest; shortened from OF. prudefeme, preudefeme, a discreet or excellent woman; OF. preu, prou, excellent, brave + de of + fete woman. See Prow, a., Prowess. ] A woman of affected modesty, reserve, or coyness; one who is overscrupulous or sensitive; one who affects extraordinary prudence in conduct and speech. [ 1913 Webster ]
Less modest than the speech of prudes. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F., fr. L. prudentia, contr. from providentia. See Prudent, and cf. Providence. ] The quality or state of being prudent; wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]
Prudence supposes the value of the end to be assumed, and refers only to the adaptation of the means. It is the relation of right means for given ends. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Prudence. [ Obs. ] Hakluyt. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. prudens, -entis, contr. from providens: cf. F. prudent. See Provident. ]
Moses established a grave and prudent law. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. That which relates to or demands the exercise of, discretion or prudence; -- usually in the
Many stanzas, in poetic measures, contain rules relating to common prudentials as well as to religion. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]
a.
n. One who is governed by, or acts from, prudential motives. [ R. ] Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The quality or state of being prudential. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a prudential manner; prudently. South. [ 1913 Webster ]