Pro*fuse" (?), a. [L. profusus, p. p. of profundere to pour forth or out; pro forward, forth + fundere to pour: cf. F. profus. See Fuse to melt.]
1.
Pouring forth with fullness or exuberance; bountiful; exceedingly liberal; giving without stint; as, a profuse government; profuse hospitality.
A green, shady bank, profuse of flowers.
Milton.
2.
Superabundant; excessive; prodigal; lavish; as, profuse expenditure.
"
Profuse ornament."
Kames.
Syn. -- Lavish; exuberant; bountiful; prodigal; extravagant. -- Profuse, Lavish, Prodigal. Profuse denotes pouring out (as money, etc.) with great fullness or freeness; as, profuse in his expenditures, thanks, promises, etc. Lavish is stronger, implying unnecessary or wasteful excess; as, lavish of his bounties, favors, praises, etc. Prodigal is stronger still, denoting unmeasured or reckless profusion; as, prodigal of one's strength, life, or blood, to secure some object. Dryden.
© Webster 1913.
Pro*fuse" (?), v. t.
To pour out; to give or spend liberally; to lavish; to squander.
[Obs.]
Chapman.
© Webster 1913.