Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Prodigal
Prod′i-gal
,Adj.
[L.
prodigus
, from prodigere
to drive forth, to squander away; pro
forward, forth + agere
to drive; cf. F. prodigue
. See Agent
. ] Given to extravagant expenditure; expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly or viciously profuse; lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical;
as, a
prodigal
man; the prodigal
son; prodigal
giving; prodigal
expenses.In fighting fields [patriots] were
prodigal
of blood. Dryden.
Syn. – Profuse; lavish; extravagant; squandering; wasteful. See
Profuse
. Prod′i-gal
,Noun.
One who expends money extravagantly, viciously, or without necessity; one that is profuse or lavish in any expenditure; a waster; a spendthrift.
“Noble prodigals of life.” Trench.
Webster 1828 Edition
Prodigal
PROD'IGAL
,Adj.
1.
Given to extravagant expenditures; expending money or other things without necessity; profuse, lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical; as a prodigal man; the prodigal son. A man may be prodigal of his strength, of his health, of his life or blood, as well as of his money.2.
Profuse, lavish; expended to excess or without necessity; as prodigal expenses.3.
Very liberal; profuse. Nature is prodigal of her bounties.PROD'IGAL
,Noun.