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Bill W

Bill W 59,282
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The word "sagacity" comes from the Latin word "𝑠𝑎𝑔ā𝑐𝑖𝑡ā𝑠", meaning "keenness of perception" or "wisdom".  It is derived from "𝑠𝑎𝑔ā𝑥", meaning "of quick perception," which is also the root of the Latin verb "𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑒", meaning "to perceive keenly".  This Latin root is ultimately related to the Proto-Indo-European root *sag-, meaning "to track down, trace, or seek," and is also the origin of the English word "seek".  The word sagacity entered English via French, from its form "𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡é".  Sagacity is defined as the quality of being sagacious, which in turn means having or showing a keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd. 
 
According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of "sagacity" in English is from 1548, found in Hall's Vnion. This is also supported by other etymology resources like the Online Etymology Dictionary, which notes a first use in the mid-1500s.  Dictionary,com states the word was first recorded in 1540-1550. 

Examples of "sagacity" used in a sentence: 
"Her poems attest to her political sagacity and her lyrical mysticism." 
"He has shown great sagacity and great skill in endeavoring to raise the scale for officers." 
"We appealed to the sagacity, common sense, and self-respect of the working people of this country, and we have not appealed in vain. 
"This experiment does not tell us, but instead leaves it to our sagacity the burden of guessing." 
"The dog showed great sagacity in retrieving both lots, which the judges and the crowd applauded." 
"While many people believed he was stupid, the politician’s sagacity allowed him to realize he would not be elected again."

Edited by Bill W
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Paladin

Paladin 16,556
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sagacity - (n) - the quality of being sagacious

This is unusual for @Myr and an example of straying into the mire of defining a word in terms of itself; a circular definition. Not very sagacious. :)

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drpaladin

drpaladin 100,038
Zorro

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Often the greatest sagacity is silence.

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Myr

Myr 38,643
Monday Blues

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9 hours ago, Paladin said:

sagacity - (n) - the quality of being sagacious

This is unusual for @Myr and an example of straying into the mire of defining a word in terms of itself; a circular definition. Not very sagacious. :)

I'm not the dictionary that defined the word. And we did it's partner before:

 

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