Dis‐creet″ (?), a. [Compar.Discreeter (?); superl.Discreetest.] [F. discret, L. discretus separated (whence the meaning reserved, prudent), p. p. of discernere. See Discern, and cf. Discrete.] 1. Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or evil, and in the adaptation of means to ends; prudent; sagacious; judicious; not rash or heedless; cautious.
It is the discreet man, not the witty, nor the learned, nor the brave, who guides the conversation, and gives measures to society. Addison.
Satire 's my weapon, but I 'm too discreet
To run amuck, and tilt at all I meet. Pope.
The sea is silent, the sea is discreet. Longfellow.
2. Differing; distinct. Spenser.
— Dis‐creet″ly, adv. — Dis‐creet″ness, n.