Prox"y, v. i. To act or vote by proxy; to do anything by the agency of
another. [R.]
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.