cautionary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite warding off
    prophylactic.
    • the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze
  2. adjective satellite serving to warn
    admonitory; warning; exemplary; monitory.
    • shook a monitory finger at him
    • an exemplary jail sentence

WordNet

Cau"tion*a*ry adjective
Definitions
  1. Conveying a caution, or warning to avoid danger; as, cautionary signals.
  2. Given as a pledge or as security.
    He hated Barnevelt, for his getting the cautionary towns out of his hands. Bp. Burnet.
  3. Wary; cautious. Obs. Bacon.

Webster 1913