Part 633

Prox"y*ship, n. The office or agency of a proxy.

Pruce (?), n. [OE. for Prussia: cf. F. Prusse.] Prussian leather. [Obs.] Dryden.

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Prude (?), 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.

Less modest than the speech of prudes.

Swift.

Pru"dence (?), 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.

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.

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.

Syn. -- Wisdom; forecast; providence; considerateness; judiciousness; discretion; caution; circumspection; judgment. See Wisdom.

Pru"den*cy (?), n. Prudence. [Obs.] Hakluyt.

Pru"dent (?), 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.

Moses established a grave and prudent law.

Milton.

2. Frugal; economical; not extravagant; as, a prudent woman; prudent expenditure of money.

Syn. -- Cautious; wary; circumspect; considerate; discreet; judicious; provident; economical; frugal.

Pru*den"tial (?), 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.

2. Exercising prudence; discretionary; advisory; superintending or executive; as, a prudential committee.

Pru*den"tial, n. That which relates to or demands the exercise of, discretion or prudence; -- usually in the pl.

Many stanzas, in poetic measures, contain rules relating to common prudentials as well as to religion.

I. Watts.

Pru*den"tial*ist, n. One who is governed by, or acts from, prudential motives. [R.] Coleridge.

Pru*den`ti*al"i*ty (?), n. The quality or state of being prudential. Sir T. Browne.

Pru*den"tial*ly (?), adv. In a prudential manner; prudently. South.

Pru"dent*ly (?), adv. In a prudent manner.

Prud"er*y (?), 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.