Etymology From Latin expedītus (“unimpeded, unfettered”), perfect passive participle of expediō (“bring forward, set right”).
1
To accelerate the progress of.
He expedited the search by alphabetizing the papers.
The bodies and bogies were built by more than one firm, to expedite the work, and the electrical equipment was supplied by the British Thomson-Houston Co. Ltd.1950 October, “Notes and News: Early Multiple-Unit Trains, C.L.R.”, in Railway Magazine, page 712:
1 more example
[…] moreover, there are times of pressure when, to expedite deliveries, cars may be driven in what should otherwise be the running-in period at speeds that do them no good - and over long distances too.1960 June, “British cars go by rail: I-The L.M.R. wins new Anglo-Scottish traffic”, in Trains Illustrated, page 335:
2
Broadly To perform (a task) fast and efficiently.
3
To perform the duties of an expediter.
4
Obsolete To free from impediment; to release or set at liberty.
Etymology From Latin expedītus (“unimpeded, unfettered”), perfect passive participle of expediō (“bring forward, set right”).
1
Free of impediment; unimpeded.
[…] to make the way plaine and expedite […][1594], Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], 3rd edition, London: […] Will[iam] Stansby [for Matthew Lownes], published 1611, →OCLC, book III, page 91:
2
Expeditious; quick; prompt.
nimble and expedite […] in its operation1671, John Tillotson, “Sermon IV. The Advantages of Religion to Particular Persons. Psalm XIX. 11.”, in The Works of the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson, Late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury: […], London: […] B. Aylmer, […]; [a]nd W. Rogers, […], published 1696, →OCLC:
[…]Speech in general (which is a very ſhort and expedite way of conveying their Thoughts one to another)[…]1689 (indicated as 1690), [John Locke], “Of other simple Modes”, in An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding. […], London: […] Eliz[abeth] Holt, for Thomas Basset, […], →OCLC, book II, § 7, page 111: