Prod"i*gal (?), a. [L. prodigus,
from prodigere to drive forth, to squander away; pro
forward, forth + agere to drive; cf. F. prodigue. See
Agent. ] 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.
Syn. -- Profuse; lavish; extravagant; squandering; wasteful.
See Profuse.
Prod"i*gal, n. One who expends
money extravagantly, viciously, or without necessity; one that is
profuse or lavish in any expenditure; a waster; a spendthrift.
"Noble prodigals of life." Trench.