Black's Law Dictionary (2nd edition)dictionaries

Prudence

Carefulness, precaution, attentiveness, and good judgment, as applied to action or conduct That degree of care required by the exigencies or circumstances under which it ie to be exercised. Cronk v. Railway Co., 3 S. D. 93, 52 N. W. 420. This term, in the language of the law, is commonly associated with “care” and “diligence" and contrasted with “negligence.” See those ti-ties

Source: Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)