n. [ L. imprudentia: cf. F. imprudence. Cf. Improvidence. ] The quality or state of being imprudent; want to caution, circumspection, or a due regard to consequences; indiscretion; inconsideration; rashness; also, an imprudent act; as, he was guilty of an imprudence. [ 1913 Webster ]

His serenity was interrupted, perhaps, by his own imprudence. Mickle. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. imprudens; pref. im- not + prudens prudent: cf. F. imprudent. See Prudent, and cf. Improvident. ] Not prudent; wanting in prudence or discretion; indiscreet; injudicious; not attentive to consequence; improper. -- Im*pru"dent*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

Her majesty took a great dislike at the imprudent behavior of many of the ministers and readers. Strype. [1913 Webster]

Syn. -- Indiscreet; injudicious; incautious; ill-advised; unwise; heedless; careless; rash; negligent. [1913 Webster]

n. [ L. jurisprudentia; jus, juris, right, law + prudentia a foreseeing, knowledge of a matter, prudence: cf. F. jurisprudence. See Just, a., and Prudence. ] The science of juridical law; the knowledge of the laws, customs, and rights of men in a state or community, necessary for the due administration of justice. [ 1913 Webster ]

The talents of Abelard were not confined to theology, jurisprudence, philosophy. J. Warton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Medical jurisprudence, that branch of juridical law which concerns questions of medicine. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ See Jurisprudence. ] Understanding law; skilled in jurisprudence. G. West. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. jurisprudent. ] One skilled in law or jurisprudence. [ R. ] De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or pertaining to jurisprudence. Stewart. [ 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 ]

Syn. -- Wisdom; forecast; providence; considerateness; judiciousness; discretion; caution; circumspection; judgment. See Wisdom. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Prudence. [ Obs. ] Hakluyt. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. prudens, -entis, contr. from providens: cf. F. prudent. See Provident. ] 1. Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining any line of conduct; 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Moses established a grave and prudent law. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Frugal; economical; not extravagant; as, a prudent woman; prudent expenditure of money. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Cautious; wary; circumspect; considerate; discreet; judicious; provident; economical; frugal. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Exercising prudence; discretionary; advisory; superintending or executive; as, a prudential committee. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. That which relates to or demands the exercise of, discretion or prudence; -- usually in the pl. [ 1913 Webster ]

Many stanzas, in poetic measures, contain rules relating to common prudentials as well as to religion. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]

adv. In a prudent manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Pruderies [ F. pruderie. See Prude. ] The quality or state of being prudish; excessive or affected scrupulousness in speech or conduct; stiffness; coyness. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. prud'homme. cf. Prude. ] A trustworthy citizen; a skilled workman. See Citation under 3d Commune, 1. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Like a prude; very formal, precise, or reserved; affectedly severe in virtue; as, a prudish woman; prudish manners. [ 1913 Webster ]

A formal lecture, spoke with prudish face. Garrick. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a prudish manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Imprudence. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

[ 1913 Webster ]

a. Imprudent. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Imprudent. [ Obs. ] “The most unwise and unprudential act.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]