GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

  1.       
    
    Expedient a. [L. expediens, -entis, p. pr. of expedire to be expedient, release, extricate: cf. F. expédient. See Expedite.]
    1. 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.
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      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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    2. Quick; expeditious. [Obs.]
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      His marches are expedient to this town.
      Shak.

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  2.       
    
    Expedient, n.
    1. 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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    2. Means devised in an exigency; shift.

      Syn. -- Shift; contrivance; resource; substitute.

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