\Pro*fuse"\, a. [L. profusus, p. p. of profundere to
pour forth or out; pro forward, forth + fundere to pour: cf.
F. profus. See {Fuse} to melt.]
1. Pouring forth with fullness or exuberance; bountiful;
   exceedingly liberal; giving without stint; as, a profuse
   government; profuse hospitality.
         A green, shady bank, profuse of flowers. --Milton.
2. Superabundant; excessive; prodigal; lavish; as, profuse
   expenditure. ``Profuse ornament.'' --Kames.
Syn: Lavish; exuberant; bountiful; prodigal; extravagant.
Usage: {Profuse}, {Lavish}, {Prodigal}. Profuse denotes
       pouring out (as money, etc.) with great fullness or
       freeness; as, profuse in his expenditures, thanks,
       promises, etc. Lavish is stronger, implying
       unnecessary or wasteful excess; as, lavish of his
       bounties, favors, praises, etc. Prodigal is stronger
       still, denoting unmeasured or reckless profusion; as,
       prodigal of one's strength, life, or blood, to secure
       some object. --Dryden.

\Pro*fuse"\, v. t.
To pour out; to give or spend liberally; to lavish; to
squander. [Obs.] --Chapman.