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Webster 1913 Edition


Discretion

Dis-cre′tion

,
Noun.
[F.
discrétion
, L.
discretio
separation, difference, discernment, fr.
discernere
,
discretum
. See
Discreet
,
Discern
.]
1.
Disjunction; separation.
[Obs.]
Mede.
2.
The quality of being discreet; wise conduct and management; cautious discernment, especially as to matters of propriety and self-control; prudence; circumspection; wariness.
The better part of valor is
discretion
.
Shakespeare
The greatest parts without
discretion
may be fatal to their owner.
Hume.
3.
Discrimination.
Well spoken, with good accent and good
discretion
.
Shakespeare
4.
Freedom to act according to one’s own judgment; unrestrained exercise of choice or will.
At discretion
,
without conditions or stipulations.

Webster 1828 Edition


Discretion

DISCRETION

,
Noun.
[L, a separating. See Discreet.]
1.
Prudence, or knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; nice discernment and judgment, directed by circumspection, and primarily regarding ones own conduct.
A good man--will guide his affairs with discretion. Psalm 112.
My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion. Proverbs 3.
2.
Liberty or power of acting without other control than ones own judgment; as, the management of affairs was left to the discretion of the prince; he is left to his own discretion. Hence,
To surrender at discretion, is to surrender without stipulation or terms, and commit ones self entirely to the power of the conqueror.
3.
Disjunction; separation. [Not much used.]

Definition 2024


discrétion

discrétion

See also: discretion

French

Noun

discrétion f (uncountable)

  1. discretion

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