Care"ful (kâr"fụl), a. [AS. cearful.]

1. Full of care; anxious; solicitous. [Archaic]

Be careful [Rev. Ver. "anxious"] for nothing. Phil. iv. 6.

The careful plowman doubting stands. Milton.

2. Filling with care or solicitude; exposing to concern, anxiety, or trouble; painful.

The careful cold beginneth for to creep. Spenser.

By Him that raised me to this careful height. Shak.

3. Taking care; giving good heed; watchful; cautious; provident; not indifferent, heedless, or reckless; -- often followed by of, for, or the infinitive; as, careful of money; careful to do right.

Thou hast been careful for us with all this care. 2. Kings iv, 13.

What could a careful father more have done? Dryden.

Syn. -- Anxious; solicitous; provident; thoughtful; cautious; circumspect; heedful; watchful; vigilant.

-- Webster's unabridged 1913