prodigal

PROD'IGAL, adjective [Latin produgus, from prodigo, to drive forth, to lavish.] 1. Given to extravagant expenditures; expending money or other things without necessity; profuse, lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical; as a prodigal man; the prodigal son. A man may be prodigal of his strength, of his health, of his life or blood, as well as of his money. 2. Profuse, lavish; expended to excess or without necessity; as prodigal expenses. 3. Very liberal; profuse. Nature is prodigal of her bounties. PROD'IGAL, noun One that expends money extravagantly or without necessity; one that is profuse or lavish; a waster; a spendthrift.