/ ˈpɒləsi; NAmE ˈpɑːl-/ noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ C , U ] policy (on sth) a plan of action agreed or chosen by a political party, a business, etc. :
the present government's policy on education
The company has adopted a firm policy on shoplifting.
We have tried to pursue a policy of neutrality.
US foreign / domestic policy
They have had a significant change in policy on paternity leave.
a policy document
2.
[ C , U ] ( formal ) a principle that you believe in that influences how you behave; a way in which you usually behave :
She is following her usual policy of ignoring all offers of help.
( saying )
Honesty is the best policy.
3.
[ C ] a written statement of a contract of insurance :
Check the terms of the policy before you sign.
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WORD ORIGIN
senses 1 to 2 late Middle English : from Old French policie civil administration, via Latin from Greek politeia citizenship, from politēs citizen, from polis city.
sense 3 mid 16th cent.: from French police bill of lading, contract of insurance, from Provençal poliss(i)a , probably from medieval Latin apodissa , apodixa , based on Greek apodeixis evidence, proof, from apodeiknunai demonstrate, show.