Economic \E`co*nom"ic\ (?; 277), Economical \E`co*nom"ic*al\, a. [F. ['e]conomique, L. oeconomicus orderly, methodical, Gr. ? economical. See Economy.]

1. Pertaining to the household; domestic. ``In this economical misfortune [of ill-assorted matrimony.]

'' --Milton.

2. Relating to domestic economy, or to the management of household affairs.

And doth employ her economic art And busy care, her household to preserve. --Sir J. Davies.

3. Managing with frugality; guarding against waste or unnecessary expense; careful and frugal in management and in expenditure; -- said of character or habits.

Just rich enough, with economic care, To save a pittance. --Harte.

4. Managed with frugality; not marked with waste or extravagance; frugal; -- said of acts; saving; as, an economical use of money or of time.

5. Relating to the means of living, or the resources and wealth of a country; relating to political economy; as, economic purposes; economical truths.

These matters economical and political. --J. C. Shairp.

There was no economical distress in England to prompt the enterprises of colonization. --Palfrey.

Economic questions, such as money, usury, taxes, lands, and the employment of the people. --H. C. Baird.

6. Regulative; relating to the adaptation of means to an end. --Grew.

Note: Economical is the usual form when meaning frugal, saving; economic is the form commonly used when meaning pertaining to the management of a household, or of public affairs.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)