King James Bible Dictionary

DISCRETION, noun [L, a separating. See Discreet.]

1. Prudence, or knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; nice discernment and judgment, directed by circumspection, and primarily regarding ones own conduct.

A good man--will guide his affairs with discretion Psalms 112:5.

My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion Proverbs 3:21.

2. Liberty or power of acting without other control than ones own judgment; as, the management of affairs was left to the discretion of the prince; he is left to his own discretion Hence,

To surrender at discretion is to surrender without stipulation or terms, and commit ones self entirely to the power of the conqueror.

3. Disjunction; separation. [Not much used.]

DISCRETIONARY, DISCRETIONAL adjective Left to discretion; unrestrained except by discretion or judgment; that is to be directed or managed by discretion only. Thus, the President of the United States is, in certain cases, invested with discretionary powers, to act according to circumstances.

DISCRETIONARILY, DISCRETIONALLY adverb At discretion; according to discretion.

DISCRETIONARILY, DISCRETIONALLY, adverb At discretion; according to discretion.

DISCRETIONARY, DISCRETIONAL, adjective Left to discretion; unrestrained except by discretion or judgment; that is to be directed or managed by discretion only. Thus, the President of the United States is, in certain cases, invested with discretionary powers, to act according to circumstances.