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circumspection|sɜːkəmˈspɛkʃən|
Also 6 -speccion, -yon.
[a. OF. circumspection (mod.F. circonspection), ad. L. circumspectiōn-em looking around, circumspection, n. of action f. circumspicĕre: see circumspect a.]
1. The scanning of surrounding objects or circumstances, careful or wary looking about one; the faculty of doing this.
†a. literally.
b. As a mental action: vigilant and cautious observation of circumstances or events.
1387Trevisa Higden VII. 199 Whos circumspeccioun whiles þat he lyved was moche profitable to þe erþe of Engelond. 1511–2Act 3 Hen. VIII, c. 23 Pream., His high Wisdome, providence, and circumspeccion. 1570Dee Math. Pref. 40 To whom Nature hath giuen such quicke Circumspection, sharpnes of witt, and Memorie. 1673O. Walker Educ. 174 Circumspection of all circumstances of time, place, and all other opportunities. 1677Hubbard Narrative ii. 70 Stepping aside a Rod or two..for better Circumspection, he espyed the point of a Lance. 1746–7Hervey Medit. (1818) 250 Can none of those prognostics..awaken our attention, and engage our circumspection? 1839Ld. Brougham Statesm. Geo. III, Ld. Mansfield (L.), Cautious circumspection of surrounding connexions.
2. Circumspect action or conduct; attention to circumstances that may affect an action or decision; caution, care, heedfulness, circumspectness.
1598Barret Theor. Warres ii. i. 19 To giue them the Word with all circumspection and secrecie. 1625Bacon Ess. Empire (Arb.) 301 From all these arise Dangers, if Care and Circumspection be not vsed. 1726–7Swift Gulliver i. iv. 52, I walked with the utmost circumspection, to avoid treading on any stragglers. 1771Junius' Lett. lxvii. 333 Hereafter you will act with greater circumspection. 1836W. Irving Astoria II. 317 Great caution and circumspection in his intercourse with the natives. |