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.
Prud*homme" (?), n. [F. prud'homme. cf. Prude.] A trustworthy citizen;
a skilled workman. See Citation under 3d Commune, 1.
Prud"ish (?), a. Like a prude; very formal, precise, or reserved;
affectedly severe in virtue; as, a prudish woman; prudish manners.
A formal lecture, spoke with prudish face.
Garrick.
Prud"ish*ly, adv. In a prudish manner.
Pru"i*nate (?), a. Same as Pruinose.
Pru"i*nose` (?), a. [L. pruinosus, fr. pruina hoarfrost.] Frosty;
covered with fine scales, hairs, dust, bloom, or the like, so as to
give the appearance of frost.
Pru"i*nous (?), a. Frosty; pruinose.
Prune (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pruned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Pruning.]
[OE. proine, probably fr. F. provigner to lay down vine stocks for
propagation; hence, probably, the meaning, to cut away superfluous
shoots. See Provine.] 1. To lop or cut off the superfluous parts,
branches, or shoots of; to clear of useless material; to shape or
smooth by trimming; to trim: as, to prune trees; to prune an essay.
Thackeray.
Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be pruned and
reformed.
Bacon.
Our delightful task To prune these growing plants, and tend these
flowers.
Milton.