discretional

[ dih-skresh-uh-nl ]

adjective

Origin of discretional

First recorded in 1650–60; discretion + -al¹

I have no idea of instructions, unless they are obeyed; a discretional power is incompatible with them.
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. I (of 16) | Thomas Hart Benton
The pope, then, had this province only as cardinals have pensions from the king, which pensions are discretional.
A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 2 (of 10) | Franois-Marie Arouet (AKA Voltaire)
As their powers were largely discretional, with undefined limits, the manner in which they were exercised was sometimes eccentric.
A History of the Inquisition of Spain; vol. 1 | Henry Charles Lea
Where a spelling makes sense, and is merely discretional and not obviously incorrect, it has been retained.
Wit and Mirth: or Pills to Purge Melancholy, Volume VI | Various
The language of the constitution is very different when regulations are not left discretional.
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. II (of 16) | Thomas Hart Benton

Browse