I. ˈpä-lə-sē noun
( plural -cies )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English policie government, policy, from Middle French police, policie — more at police
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs
b. : management or procedure based primarily on material interest
2.
a. : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions
b. : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body
II. noun
( plural -cies )
Etymology: alteration of earlier police, from Middle French, certificate, from Old Italian polizza, modification of Medieval Latin apodixa receipt, from Middle Greek apodeixis, from Greek, proof, from apodeiknynai to demonstrate — more at apodictic
Date: 1565
1. : a writing whereby a contract of insurance is made
2.
a. : a daily lottery in which participants bet that certain numbers will be drawn from a lottery wheel
b. : number 7a