\Sa"pi*ent\, a. [L. sapiens, -entis, p. pr. of sapere to
taste, to have sense, to know. See {Sage}, a.]
Wise; sage; discerning; -- often in irony or contempt.
      Where the sapient king Held dalliance with his fair
      Egyptian spouse.                         --Milton.
Syn: Sage; sagacious; knowing; wise; discerning.