\E`co*nom"ic\ (?; 277), Economical \E`co*nom"ic*al\, a.
[F. ['e]conomique, L. oeconomicus orderly, methodical, Gr. ?
economical. See {Economy}.]
1. Pertaining to the household; domestic. ``In this
   economical misfortune [of ill-assorted matrimony.]''
   --Milton.
2. Relating to domestic economy, or to the management of
   household affairs.
         And doth employ her economic art And busy care, her
         household to preserve.                --Sir J.
                                               Davies.
3. Managing with frugality; guarding against waste or
   unnecessary expense; careful and frugal in management and
   in expenditure; -- said of character or habits.
         Just rich enough, with economic care, To save a
         pittance.                             --Harte.
4. Managed with frugality; not marked with waste or
   extravagance; frugal; -- said of acts; saving; as, an
   economical use of money or of time.
5. Relating to the means of living, or the resources and
   wealth of a country; relating to political economy; as,
   economic purposes; economical truths.
         These matters economical and political. --J. C.
                                               Shairp.
         There was no economical distress in England to
         prompt the enterprises of colonization. --Palfrey.
         Economic questions, such as money, usury, taxes,
         lands, and the employment of the people. --H. C.
                                               Baird.
6. Regulative; relating to the adaptation of means to an end.
   --Grew.
Note: Economical is the usual form when meaning frugal,
      saving; economic is the form commonly used when meaning
      pertaining to the management of a household, or of
      public affairs.