from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Policy \Pol"i*cy\, n.; pl. {Policies}. [L. politia, Gr. ?; cf.
F. police, Of. police. See {Police}, n.]
1. Civil polity. [Obs.]
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2. The settled method by which the government and affairs of
a nation are, or may be, administered; a system of public
or official administration, as designed to promote the
external or internal prosperity of a state.
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3. The method by which any institution is administered;
system of management; course.
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4. Management or administration based on temporal or material
interest, rather than on principles of equity or honor;
hence, worldly wisdom; dexterity of management; cunning;
stratagem.
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5. Prudence or wisdom in the management of public and private
affairs; wisdom; sagacity; wit.
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The very policy of a hostess, finding his purse so
far above his clothes, did detect him. --Fuller.
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6. Motive; object; inducement. [Obs.]
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What policy have you to bestow a benefit where it is
counted an injury? --Sir P.
Sidney.
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Syn: See {Polity}.
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