CAUTION Cau"tion, n. Etym: [F. caution a security, L. cautio, fr. cavere (For scavere) to be on one's guard, to take care (orig.) to be on the watch, see; akin to E. show.]
1. A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided; prudence in regard to danger; provident care; wariness.
2. Security; guaranty; bail. [R.] The Parliament would yet give his majesty sufficient caution that the war should be prosecuted. Clarendon.
3. Precept or warning against evil of any kind; exhortation to wariness; advice; injunction. In way of caution I must tell you. Shak. Caution money, money deposited by way of security or guaranty, as by a student at an English university.
Syn. — Care; forethought; forecast; heed; prudence; watchfulness; vigilance; circumspection; anxiety; providence; counsel; advice; warning; admonition.
CAUTION
Cau"tion v. t. [imp & p. p. Cautioned; p. pr. & vb. n. Cautioning.]
Defn: To give notice of danger to; to warn; to exhort [one] to take
heed.
You cautioned me against their charms. Swift.
CAUTIONARY
Cau"tion*a*ry, a.
1. Conveying a caution, or warning to avoid danger; as, cautionary signals.
2. Given as a pledge or as security. He hated Barnevelt, for his getting the cautionary towns out of his hands. Bp. Burnet.