Cau'tious (kaw'shus), a.

(kaw'shus), a. [Lat. cautus, from cavere. See CAUTION.] 1. Attentive to examine probable effects and consequences of measures, with a view to avoid danger or misfortune; prudent; circumspect; wary; watchful; as, a cautious general; a cautious lawyer. “Cautious feeling for another's pain.” Byron. 2. Over-prudent; fearful; timorous. [Obs.] You shall be received at a postern door, if you be not cautious, by one whose touch would make old Nestor young. Massinger. Syn. — Wary; watchful; vigilant; prudent; circumspect; discreet; heedful; thoughtful; scrupulous; anxious; careful. — CAUTIOUS, WARY, CIRCUMSPECT. A man is cautious chiefly as the result of timidity: one may be wary, and yet bold and active; a man who is circumspect habitually examines things on every side in order to weigh and deliberate. It is necessary to be cautious at all times; to be wary in cases of extraordinary danger; to be circumspect in matters of peculiar delicacy and difficulty.