Pro-fūse'1, a.
a. [Lat. profusus, p. p. of profundere, to pour forth or out, from pro, forward, forth, and fundere, to pour; It. & Sp. profuso, O. Fr. profus.]
Sense 1. Pouring forth with fulness or exuberance; exceedingly liberal; giving without stint; lavish; as, a profuse government; a profuse administration. “A green shady bank, profuse of flowers.” Milton.
Sense 2. Liberal to excess; extravagant; prodigal;—often in a bad sense.
Profuse ornament in painting, architecture, or gardening, as well as in dress or in language, shows a mean or corrupted taste. Kames.
Synonyms—Lavish; exuberant; bountiful; prodigal; extravagant.—PROFUSE, LAVISH, PRODIGAL. Profuse denotes pouring out (as money, &c.) with great fulness or exuberance; as, profuse in his expenditures, thanks, promises, &c. Lavish is stronger, implying unnecessary or wasteful excess; as, lavish of his bounties, favors, praises, &c. Prodigality is stronger still, denoting unmeasured or reckless profusion; as, prodigal of one's strength, life, or blood, to secure some object.
O Liberty, thou goddess heavenly bright, Profuse of bliss, and pregnant with delight! Addison.
The dame has been too lavish of her feast, And fed him till he loathes. Rowe.
Here patriots live, who, for their country's good, In fighting fields were prodigal of blood. Dryden.