n.; pl. Prodigies [ L. prodigium; pro before + (perh.) a word appearing in adagium adage: cf. F. prodige. Cf. Adage. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. Something extraordinary, or out of the usual course of nature, from which omens are drawn; a portent; as, eclipses and meteors were anciently deemed prodigies. [ 1913 Webster ] So many terrors, voices, prodigies, May warn thee, as a sure foregoing sign. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Anything so extraordinary as to excite wonder or astonishment; a marvel; as, a prodigy of learning. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A production out of ordinary course of nature; an abnormal development; a monster. B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Wonder; miracle; portent; marvel; monster. [ 1913 Webster ] |