Pŏl'i-tic, a.

(123), a. [Fr. politique, It. & Sp. politico, Lat. politicus, Gr. πολιτικός, belonging to the citizens or to the state, from πολίτης, citizen, from πόλις, a city.] 1. Political; as, the body politic. He with his people made all but one politic body. Sidney. 2. Pertaining to or promoting a policy, especially a national policy; well devised; adapted to its end, whether right or wrong; — said of measures. This land was famously enriched With politic, grave counsel. Shak. 3. Sagacious in promoting a policy; ingenious in devising and advancing a system of management; devoted to a scheme or system rather than to a principle; hence, in a good sense, wise; prudent; sagacious; and in a bad sense, artful; unscrupulous; cunning; — said of persons. I have been politic with my friend, smooth with my enemy. Shak. Syn. — Wise; prudent; sagacious; discreet; provident; wary; artful; cunning.