expedience

Etymology

From Old French expedience, from Late Latin expedientia, from Latin expediens.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɛk.spiː.dɪ.əns/

Noun

expedience (countable and uncountable, plural expediences)

1. (uncountable) The quality of being fit or suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended; propriety or advisability under the particular circumstances of a case.
   • Sharp

     To determine concerning the expedience of action.

2. Speed, haste or urgency.
   • Shakespeare

     Making hither with all due expedience.

   • 2008, Jeffrey J. Rowland, Wigu: Day 13: Saturday in the Park

     We must spring into action with a relentless sense of expedience and determination!

3. Something that is expedient.
4. (obsolete) An expedition; enterprise; adventure.
   • Shakespeare

     Forwarding this dear expedience.

References

• OED2
• expediency in An American Dictionary of the English Language, by Noah Webster, 1828.
• expedience in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• expedience at OneLook Dictionary Search