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Webster 1913 Edition

Discreet

Dis-creet′

,
Adj.
[
Com
par.
Discreeter
;
sup
erl.
Discreetest
.]
[F.
discret
, L.
discretus
separated (whence the meaning
reserved
,
prudent
), p. p. of
discernere
. See
Discern
, and cf.
Discrete
.]
1.
Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or evil, and in the adaptation of means to ends; prudent; sagacious; judicious; not rash or heedless; cautious.
It is the
discreet
man, not the witty, nor the learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation, and gives measures to society.
Addison.
Satire ’s my weapon, but I 'm too
discreet

To run amuck, and tilt at all I meet.
Pope.
The sea is silent, the sea is
discreet
.
Longfellow.

Webster 1828 Edition

Discreet

DISCREET

,
Adj.
[L., Gr. It is sometimes written discrete; the distinction between discreet and discrete are arbitrary, but perhaps not entirely useless. The literal sense is, separate, reserved, wary, hence discerning.]
1.
Prudent; wise in avoiding errors or evil, and in selecting the best means to accomplish a purpose; circumspect; cautious; wary; not rash.
It is the discreet man, not the witty, nor the learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation, and gives measures to society.
Let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise. Genesis 41.

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