1340, "wisdom to see what is virtuous, or what is suitable or profitable," from O.Fr.
prudence (13c.), from L.
prudentia "foresight, sagacity," contraction of
providentia "foresight" (see
providence). Secondary sense of "wisdom" (c.1375) now only in
jurisprudence (q.v.).
Prudent first recorded 1382, from O.Fr.
prudent, from L.
prudentem (nom.
prudens) "foresighted, skilled, experienced," contraction of
providens. First record of
prudential is from c.1400.