Sage (?), a. [Compar.Sager (?); superl.Sagest.] [F., fr. L. sapius (only in nesapius unwise, foolish), fr. sapere to be wise; perhaps akin to E. sap. Cf. Savor, Sapient, Insipid.] 1. Having nice discernment and powers of judging; prudent; grave; sagacious.
All you sage counselors, hence! Shak.
2. Proceeding from wisdom; well judged; shrewd; well adapted to the purpose.
Commanders, who, cloaking their fear under show of sage advice, counseled the general to retreat. Milton.
3. Grave; serious; solemn. “ in sage and solemn tunes have sung.” Milton.
Syn. — Wise; sagacious; sapient; grave; prudent; judicious.