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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Prodigal

Prŏd'i-gal, a.

adjective

a. [Lat. prodigus, from prodigere, to drive forth, to squander away, from pro, forward, forth, and agere, to drive; It., Sp., & Pg. prodigo, Pr. & Fr. prodigue.]

Sense 1. Given to extravagant expenditures; expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly profuse; lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical; as, a prodigal man; the prodigal son. “In fighting fields were prodigal of blood.” Dryden.

Sense 2. Expended to excess, or without necessity; profuse; lavish; as, prodigal expenses.

Synonyms— Profuse; lavish; extravagant; free. See PROFUSE.

Prŏd'i-gal, n.

noun

n. One who expends money extravagantly or without necessity; one that is profuse or lavish; a waster; a spendthrift. “On that bleak Crimean headland noble prodigals of life.” Trench.