Web 2.0 → Homepage → politic

politic

Politic Pol"i*tic, a. [L. politicus political, Gr. ? belonging to the citizens or to the state, fr.? citizen: cf. F. politique. See Police, and cf. ePolitical.] 1. Of or pertaining to polity, or civil government; political; as, the body politic. See under Body. [1913 Webster]

He with his people made all but one politic body. --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]

2. Pertaining to, or promoting, a policy, especially a national policy; well-devised; adapted to its end, whether right or wrong; -- said of things; as, a politic treaty. ``Enrich d with politic grave counsel. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

Politic with my friend, smooth with mine enemy. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Wise; prudent; sagacious; discreet; provident; wary; artful; cunning. [1913 Webster]

Politic Pol`i*tic, n. A politician. [Archaic] --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

Swiftly the politic goes; is it dark? he borrows a lantern; Slowly the statesman and sure, guiding his feet by the stars. --Lowell. [1913 Webster]