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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Expedient

Ex-pē'di-ent, a.

adjective

(eks-pē'di-ent), a. [Lat. expediens, p. pr. of expedire: Fr. expédient, Pr. expedient, expedien, Sp. & Pg. expediente, It. espediente. See EXPEDITE.] 1. Hastening or urging forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; conducive to advantage; fit or proper under the circumstances; desirable; advisable; profitable. It is expedient for you that I go away. John xvi. 7.

  1. Conducive, or tending, to self-interest, or selfish ends.
  2. Quick; expeditious. [Obs.]

His marches are expedient to this town. Shak.

Ex-pē'di-ent, n.

noun

n. 1. That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end; as, to employ every expedient to effect an important object. 2. Means devised or employed in an exigency; shift. Dryden. Syn.—Shift; contrivance; resort; resource; substitute.