Pol″i‐tic (?), a. [L. politicus political, Gr. � belonging to the citizens or to the state, fr.� citizen: cf. F. politique. See Police, and cf. ePolitical.] 1. Of or pertaining to polity, or civil government; political; as, the body politic. See under Body.
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.