adj.
Pronunciation: ' pre-sh ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French precios, from Latin pretiosus, from pretium price ― more at PRICE
Date: 13th century
1 : of great value or high price < precious jewels>
2 : highly esteemed or cherished <a precious friend>
3 : excessively refined : AFFECTED < precious manners>
4 : GREAT , THOROUGHGOING <a precious scoundrel>
– pre · cious · ness noun