Swiftly the politic goes; is it dark? he borrows a
lantern; Slowly the statesman and sure, guiding his
feet by the stars. --Lowell.
He with his people made all but one politic body.
--Sir P.
Sidney.
2. Pertaining to, or promoting, a policy, especially a
national policy; well-devised; adapted to its end, whether
right or wrong; -- said of things; as, a politic treaty.
``Enrich'd with politic grave counsel.'' --Shak.
3. Sagacious in promoting a policy; ingenious in devising and
advancing a system of management; devoted to a scheme or
system rather than to a principle; hence, in a good sense,
wise; prudent; sagacious; and in a bad sense, artful;
unscrupulous; cunning; -- said of persons.
Politic with my friend, smooth with mine enemy.
--Shak.
Syn: Wise; prudent; sagacious; discreet; provident; wary;
artful; cunning.