| prodigal | Given to extravagant expenditure; expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly or viciously profuse; lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical; as, a prodigal man; the prodigal son; prodigal giving; prodigal expenses. "In fighting fields [patriots] were prodigal of blood." (Dryden) Synonym: Profuse, lavish, extravagant, squandering, wasteful. See Profuse. Origin: L. Prodigus, from prodigere to drive forth, to squander away; pro forward, forth + agere to drive; cf. F. Prodigue. See Agent. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
|---|