GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Expedient  a. [L. expediens, -entis, p. pr. of expedire to be expedient, release, extricate: cf. F. expédient. See Expedite.]
   Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances; conducive to self-interest; desirable; advisable; advantageous; -- sometimes contradistinguished from right or principled.
   1913 Webster
   It is expedient for you that I go away.
   John xvi. 7.
   
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   Nothing but the right can ever be expedient, since that can never be true expediency which would sacrifice a greater good to a less.
   Whately.
   
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   Quick; expeditious. [Obs.]
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   His marches are expedient to this town.
   Shak.
   
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2.       
   Expedient, n.
   That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end.
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   What sure expedient than shall Juno find,
   To calm her fears and ease her boding mind?
   Philips.
   
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   Means devised in an exigency; shift.
   Syn. -- Shift; contrivance; resource; substitute.
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