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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Expedient \Ex*pe"di*ent\a. [L. expediens, -entis, p. pr. of
expedire to be expedient, release, extricate: cf. F.
exp['e]dient. 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} or {principled}.
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It is expedient for you that I go away. --John xvi.
7.
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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.
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2. Quick; expeditious. [Obs.]
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His marches are expedient to this town. --Shak.
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Expedient \Ex*pe"di*ent\, n.
1. That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to
accomplish an end.
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What sure expedient than shall Juno find,
To calm her fears and ease her boding mind?
--Philips.
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2. Means devised in an exigency; shift.

Syn: Shift; contrivance; resource; substitute.
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