Pro*fuse" (?), a. [L. profusus,
p. p. of profundere to pour forth or out; pro forward,
forth + fundere to pour: cf. F. profus. See Fuse
to melt.] 1. Pouring forth with fullness or
exuberance; bountiful; exceedingly liberal; giving without stint; as,
a profuse government; profuse hospitality.
A green, shady bank, profuse of
flowers.
Milton.
2. Superabundant; excessive; prodigal; lavish;
as, profuse expenditure. "Profuse ornament."
Kames.
Syn. -- Lavish; exuberant; bountiful; prodigal; extravagant.
-- Profuse, Lavish, Prodigal. Profuse
denotes pouring out (as money, etc.) with great fullness or freeness;
as, profuse in his expenditures, thanks, promises, etc.
Lavish is stronger, implying unnecessary or wasteful excess;
as, lavish of his bounties, favors, praises, etc.
Prodigal is stronger still, denoting unmeasured or reckless
profusion; as, prodigal of one's strength, life, or blood, to
secure some object. Dryden.
Pro*fuse" (?), v. t. To pour out;
to give or spend liberally; to lavish; to squander. [Obs.]
Chapman.
