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Webster 1913 Edition


Prodigality

Prodˊi-gal′i-ty

,
Noun.
[F.
prodigalité
, L.
prodigalitas
. See
Prodigal
.]
Extravagance in expenditure, particularly of money; excessive liberality; profusion; waste; – opposed to
frugality
,
economy
, and
parsimony
.
“The prodigality of his wit.”
Dryden.

Webster 1828 Edition


Prodigality

PRODIGAL'ITY

,
Noun.
1.
Extravagance in the expenditure of what one possesses, particularly of money; profusion; waste; excessive liberality. It is opposed to frugality, economy, and parsimony.
By the Roman law a man of notorious prodigality was treated as non compos.
The most severe censor cannot but be pleased with the prodigality of his wit.
2.
Profuse liberality.

Definition 2024


prodigality

prodigality

English

Noun

prodigality (plural prodigalities)

  1. Wasteful extravagance.
    • 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 2, in A Cuckoo in the Nest:
      Mother [] considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres.
  2. Lavish generosity.
Translations