Ex*pe"di*ent (?) a. [L. expediens, -entis, p. pr. of expedire to be expedient, release, extricate: cf. F. exp'edient. See Expedite.]
1.
Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances; conducive to self-interest; desirable; advisable; advantageous; -- sometimes contradistinguished from right.
It is expedient for you that I go away.
John xvi. 7.
Nothing but the right can ever be expedient, since that can never be true expediency which would sacrifice a greater good to a less.
Whately.
2.
Quick; expeditious.
[Obs.]
His marches are expedient to this town.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
Ex*pe"di*ent, n.
1.
That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end.
What sure expedient than shall Juno find,
To calm her fears and ease her boding mind?
Philips.
2.
Means devised in an exigency; shift.
Syn. -- Shift; contrivance; resource; substitute.
© Webster 1913.