Hypertext Webster Gateway: "discretion"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Discretion \Dis*cre"tion\, n. [F. discr['e]tion, L. discretio
separation, difference, discernment, fr. discernere,
discretum. See {Discreet}, {Discern}.]
1. Disjunction; separation. [Obs.] --Mede.
2. The quality of being discreet; wise conduct and
management; cautious discernment, especially as to matters
of propriety and self-control; prudence; circumspection;
wariness.
The better part of valor is discretion. --Shak.
The greatest parts without discretion may be fatal
to their owner. --Hume.
3. Discrimination.
Well spoken, with good accent and good discretion.
--Shak.
4. Freedom to act according to one's own judgment;
unrestrained exercise of choice or will.
{At discretion}, without conditions or stipulations.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
discretion
n 1: freedom to act or judge on one's own
2: knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress; "the
servants showed great tact and discretion" [syn: {discreetness},
{circumspection}, {prudence}]
3: refined taste; tact [syn: {delicacy}]
4: the power of making free choices unconstrained by external
agencies [syn: {free will}]
5: the trait of judging wisely and objectively; "a man of
discernment" [syn: {discernment}]
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