SUMPTUARY


Meaning of SUMPTUARY in English

adj.

Pronunciation: ' s ə m(p)-ch ə - ˌ wer- ē

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin sumptuarius, from sumptus expense, from sumere to take, spend ― more at CONSUME

Date: 1600

1 : relating to personal expenditures and especially to prevent extravagance and luxury <conservative sumptuary tastes ― John Cheever>

2 : designed to regulate extravagant expenditures or habits especially on moral or religious grounds < sumptuary laws> < sumptuary tax>

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.