sb. and a. [a. obs. F. jurisprudent, back-formation from jurisprudence: cf. prudence, prudent. The L. expression was jūrisperītus, or jūre-perītus.]
A. sb. One versed in, or treating of, jurisprudence: a man learned in the law; a jurist.
1628. [see prec. 1].
1659. T. Pecke, Parnassi Puerp., 12. Lawyers by Law, are Jurisprudents named.
a. 1859. De Quincey, Klosterheim, v. Wks. 1890, XII. 46. Klosterheim … had been pronounced by some of the first jurisprudents a female appanage.
1892. Q. Rev., April, 363. Monogamy, as admirably defined by the great Roman jurisprudent.
B. adj. Versed or skilled in jurisprudence; having knowledge of the principles of law.
1737. R. West, Lett., 2 Dec., in Gray’s Corr. Adieu! I am going to my tutor’s lectures on one Puffendorff, a very jurisprudent author.
1837–9. Hallam, Hist. Lit., I. vii. § 50. The eulogy of Cicero on Scævola, that he was the most jurisprudent of orators, and the most eloquent of lawyers.
