Also 6 -speccion, -yon. [a. OF. circumspection (mod.F. circonspection), ad. L. circumspectiōn-em looking around, circumspection, n. of action f. circumspicĕre: see CIRCUMSPECT a.]
1. The scanning of surrounding objects or circumstances, careful or wary looking about one; the faculty of doing this.
† a. literally. b. As a mental action: vigilant and cautious observation of circumstances or events.
1387. Trevisa, Higden, VII. 199. Whos circumspeccioun whiles þat he lyved was moche profitable to þe erþe of Engelond.
1511–2. Act 3 Hen. VIII., c. 23, Pream., His high Wisdome, providence, and circumspeccion.
1570. Dee, Math. Pref., 40. To whom Nature hath giuen such quicke Circumspection, sharpnes of witt, and Memorie.
1673. O. Walker, Educ., 174. Circumspection of all circumstances of time, place, and all other opportunities.
1677. W. Hubbard, Narrative, II. 70. Stepping aside a Rod or two … for better Circumspection, he espyed the point of a Lance.
1746–7. Hervey, Medit. (1758), II. 55. Can none of those Prognostics, which are sure as Oracles, awaken our Attention, and engage our Circumspection?
1839. Ld. Brougham, Statesm. Geo. III., Burke, Ser. I. 172 (L.). The spirit of reform and toleration, tempered with cautious circumspection of surrounding connexions.
2. Circumspect action or conduct; attention to circumstances that may affect an action or decision; caution, care, heedfulness, circumspectness.
1598. Barret, Theor. Warres, II. i. 19. To giue them the Word with all circumspection and secrecie.
1625. Bacon, Ess. Empire (Arb.), 301. From all these arise Dangers, if Care and Circumspection be not vsed.
1726–7. Swift, Gulliver, I. iv. 52. I walked with the utmost circumspection, to avoid treading on any stragglers.
1771. Junius’ Lett., lxvii. 333. Hereafter you will act with greater circumspection.
1836. W. Irving, Astoria, II. 317. Great caution and circumspection in his intercourse with the natives.
