[pro.pri.e.ty] n, pl -ties [ME propriete, fr. MF propriete, proprete property, quality of a person or thing--more at property] (14c) 1 obs: true nature
2. obs: a special characteristic: peculiarity
3: the quality or state of being proper: appropriateness
4. a: conformity to what is socially acceptable in conduct or speech b: fear of offending against conventional rules of behavior esp. between the sexes c pl: the customs and manners of polite society