英文字典中文字典51ZiDian.com

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Pragmatic \Prag*mat"ic\, Pragmatical \Prag*mat"ic*al\, a. [L.
pragmaticus busy, active, skilled in business, especially in
law and state affairs, systematic, Gr. ?, fr. ? a thing done,
business, fr. ? to do: cf. F. pragmatique. See {Practical}.]
1. Of or pertaining to business or to affairs; of the nature
of business; practical; material; businesslike in habit or
manner.
[1913 Webster]

The next day . . . I began to be very pragmatical.
--Evelyn.
[1913 Webster]

We can not always be contemplative, diligent, or
pragmatical, abroad; but have need of some
delightful intermissions. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]

Low, pragmatical, earthly views of the gospel.
--Hare.
[1913 Webster]

2. Busy; specifically, busy in an objectionable way;
officious; fussy and positive; meddlesome. "Pragmatical
officers of justice." --Sir W. Scott.
[1913 Webster]

The fellow grew so pragmatical that he took upon him
the government of my whole family. --Arbuthnot.
[1913 Webster]

3. Philosophical; dealing with causes, reasons, and effects,
rather than with details and circumstances; -- said of
literature. "Pragmatic history." --Sir W. Hamilton.
"Pragmatic poetry." --M. Arnold.
[1913 Webster]

{Pragmatic sanction}, a solemn ordinance or decree issued by
the head or legislature of a state upon weighty matters;
-- a term derived from the Byzantine empire. In European
history, two decrees under this name are particularly
celebrated. One of these, issued by Charles VII. of
France, A. D. 1438, was the foundation of the liberties of
the Gallican church; the other, issued by Charles VI. of
Germany, A. D. 1724, settled his hereditary dominions on
his eldest daughter, the Archduchess Maria Theresa.
[1913 Webster]