a. [ L. sagax, sagacis, akin to sagire to perceive quickly or keenly, and probably to E. seek. See Seek, and cf. Presage. ] 1. Of quick sense perceptions; keen-scented; skilled in following a trail. [ 1913 Webster ]

Sagacious of his quarry from so far. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, of quick intellectual perceptions; of keen penetration and judgment; discerning and judicious; knowing; far-sighted; shrewd; sage; wise; as, a sagacious man; a sagacious remark. [ 1913 Webster ]

Instinct . . . makes them, many times, sagacious above our apprehension. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

Only sagacious heads light on these observations, and reduce them into general propositions. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- See Shrewd. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Sa*ga"cious*ly, adv. -- Sa*ga"cious*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]