Category:Expedient

Ex*pe"di*ent a. Etym: [L. expediens, -entis, p. pr. of expedire to be expedient, release, extricate: cf. F. expédient. See Expedite.]

1. Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances; conducive to self-interest; desirable; advisable; advantageous; -- sometimes contradistinguished from right. It is expedient for you that I go away. John xvi. 7. Nothing but the right can ever be expedient, since that can never be true expediency which would sacrifice a greater good to a less. Whately.

2. Quick; expeditious. [Obs.] His marches are expedient to this town. Shak.

expedient Ex*pe"di*ent, n.

1. That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end. What sure expedient than shall Juno find, To calm her fears and ease her boding mind Philips.

2. Means devised in an exigency; shift.

Syn. -- Shift; contrivance; resource; substitute.