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 ]