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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.