Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Economical
{
Eˊco-nom′ic
(?; 277)
, Eˊco-nom′ic-al
, }Adj.
1.
Pertaining to the household; domestic.
“In this economical misfortune [of ill-assorted matrimony.]” Milton.
2.
Relating to domestic economy, or to the management of household affairs.
And doth employ her
And busy care, her household to preserve.
economic
artAnd busy care, her household to preserve.
Sir J. Davies.
3.
Managing with frugality; guarding against waste or unnecessary expense; careful and frugal in management and in expenditure; – said of character or habits.
Just rich enough, with
To save a pittance.
economic
care,To save a pittance.
Harte.
5.
of or pertaining to the national or regional economy; relating to political economy; relating to the means of living, or the resources and wealth of a country; relating to the production or consumption of goods and services of a nation or region;
as,
economic
growth; economic
purposes; economical
truths; an economic
downturn.These matters
economical
and political. J. C. Shairp.
There was no
economical
distress in England to prompt the enterprises of colonization. Palfrey.
Economic
questions, such as money, usury, taxes, lands, and the employment of the people. H. C. Baird.
6.
Regulative; relating to the adaptation of means to an end.
Grew.
☞ Economical is the usual form when meaning frugal, saving; economic is the form commonly used when meaning pertaining to the management of a household, or of public affairs.