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Entry 4 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Expedient

/ĭk-spēd'-ē-ənt/ · Ex·pe·di·ent · IPA /ɪkˈspiːdi.ənt/
01 a. Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances; conducive to self-inte…
  1. 1.
    Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances; conducive to self-interest; desirable; advisable; advantageous; -- sometimes contradistinguished from right or principled.
    “It is expedient for you that I go away.” — John xvi. 7.
    “Nothing but the right can ever be expedient, since that can never be true expediency which would sacrifice a greater good to a less.” — Whately.
  2. 2.
    Quick; expeditious.[Obs.]
    “His marches are expedient to this town.” — Shak.
02 n. That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end.
  1. 1.
    That which serves to promote or advance; suitable means to accomplish an end.
    “What sure expedient than shall Juno find, To calm her fears and ease her boding mind?” — Philips.
  2. 2.
    Means devised in an exigency; shift.
Syn. Shift; contrivance; resource; substitute.