adj. & n.
--adj.
1. recklessly wasteful.
2 (foll. by of) lavish.
--n.
1. a prodigal person.
2 (in full prodigal son) a repentant wastrel, returned wanderer, etc. (Luke 15:11-32).
Derivatives:
prodigality n. prodigally adv.
Etymology: med.L prodigalis f. L prodigus lavish