PROPRIETY


Meaning of PROPRIETY in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ prə-ˈprī-ə-tē ]

noun

( plural -ties )

Etymology: Middle English propriete, from Anglo-French proprieté, propreté property, quality of a person or thing — more at property

Date: 14th century

1. obsolete : true nature

2. obsolete : 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 especially between the sexes

c. plural : the customs and manners of polite society

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.