%prudence%

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 ]

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 ]