Main Entry:

¹de·mean

Pronunciation:

\di-ˈmēn\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

de·meaned; de·mean·ing

Etymology:

Middle English demenen, from Anglo-French demener to conduct, from de- + mener to lead, from Latin minare to drive, from minari to threaten — more at mount

Date:

14th century

: to conduct or behave (oneself) usually in a proper manner