pragmatic
    adj 1: concerned with practical matters; "a matter-of-fact (or
           pragmatic) approach to the problem"; "a matter-of-fact
           account of the trip" [syn: matter-of-fact, pragmatic,
           pragmatical]
    2: of or concerning the theory of pragmatism [syn: pragmatic,
       pragmatical]
    3: guided by practical experience and observation rather than
       theory; "a hardheaded appraisal of our position"; "a hard-
       nosed labor leader"; "completely practical in his approach to
       business"; "not ideology but pragmatic politics" [syn:
       hardheaded, hard-nosed, practical, pragmatic]
    n 1: an imperial decree that becomes part of the fundamental law
         of the land [syn: pragmatic sanction, pragmatic]

Pragmatic \Prag*mat"ic\, Pragmatical \Prag*mat"ic*al\, a. [L.
   pragmaticus busy, active, skilled in business, especially in
   law and state affairs, systematic, Gr. ?, fr. ? a thing done,
   business, fr. ? to do: cf. F. pragmatique. See Practical.]
   1. Of or pertaining to business or to affairs; of the nature
      of business; practical; material; businesslike in habit or
      manner.
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            The next day . . . I began to be very pragmatical.
                                                  --Evelyn.
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            We can not always be contemplative, diligent, or
            pragmatical, abroad; but have need of some
            delightful intermissions.             --Milton.
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            Low, pragmatical, earthly views of the gospel.
                                                  --Hare.
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   2. Busy; specifically, busy in an objectionable way;
      officious; fussy and positive; meddlesome. "Pragmatical
      officers of justice." --Sir W. Scott.
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            The fellow grew so pragmatical that he took upon him
            the government of my whole family.    --Arbuthnot.
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   3. Philosophical; dealing with causes, reasons, and effects,
      rather than with details and circumstances; -- said of
      literature. "Pragmatic history." --Sir W. Hamilton.
      "Pragmatic poetry." --M. Arnold.
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   Pragmatic sanction, a solemn ordinance or decree issued by
      the head or legislature of a state upon weighty matters;
      -- a term derived from the Byzantine empire. In European
      history, two decrees under this name are particularly
      celebrated. One of these, issued by Charles VII. of
      France, A. D. 1438, was the foundation of the liberties of
      the Gallican church; the other, issued by Charles VI. of
      Germany, A. D. 1724, settled his hereditary dominions on
      his eldest daughter, the Archduchess Maria Theresa.
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Pragmatic \Prag*mat"ic\, n.
   1. One skilled in affairs.
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            My attorney and solicitor too; a fine pragmatic.
                                                  --B. Jonson.
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   2. A solemn public ordinance or decree.
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            A royal pragmatic was accordingly passed.
                                                  --Prescott.
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