cautelous

comparative more cautelous · superlative most cautelous

1. obsoleteSkillful in trickery or deception; cunning, wily.

   I am not able to unfold, how this cautelous enterprise of licencing can be exempted from the number of vain and impossible attempts.

   1644, John Milton, Areopagitica

   1 more example

   The least touch of [Gaveston's] memory adds more to the King's affliction, who is fixt not to forget, or forgive, so bold and heinous a Trespass. The operations in the King were yet so powerful, but the jelousies of the Actors [who have killed Gaveston] are as cautelous, so fair a warning-piece bids them in time make good their own security. Lincoln, the principal Pillar of this Faction, follows his Adversary [Gaveston] to the Grave, but with a much fairer Fortune.

   c. 1620s, Elizabeth Cary [misattributed to Henry Cary], The History Of the most unfortunate Prince King Edward II. […] , London: A.G. and F. P., published 1680, page 12

2. obsoleteCautious, careful.

   Some are of disposition fearefull, some bold, most cautelous, all Savage.

   1624, John Smith, Generall Historie, Kupperman, published 1988, page 140