Definition of policy
plural policies
1 a : prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest
2 a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body
Origin of policy
Middle English policie government, policy, from Middle French police, policie — more at police
First Known Use: 15th century
Rhymes with policy
policy
Definition of policy
plural policies
1 : a writing whereby a contract of insurance is made
2 a : a daily lottery in which participants bet that certain numbers will be drawn from a lottery wheel b : number 7a
Origin of policy
alteration of earlier police, from Middle French, certificate, from Old Italian polizza, modification of Medieval Latin apodixa receipt, from Middle Greek apodeixis, from Greek, proof, from apodeiknynai to demonstrate — more at apodictic
First Known Use: 1565
POLICY Defined for Kids
Definition of policy for Students
plural policies
: a set of guidelines or rules that determine a course of action <What is the store's return policy?>
Definition of policy for Students
plural policies
: a document that contains the agreement made by an insurance company with a person whose life or property is insured
Law Dictionary
Legal Definition of policy
plural policies
: an overall plan, principle, or guideline; especially : one formulated outside of the judiciary <obligated to consider legislative policy on the matter in their decision>
policy
Legal Definition of policy
plural policies
: a contract of insurance; also : the written instrument of such a contract
Learn More about policy
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "policy" Spanish Central: Translation of "policy" Nglish: Translation of "policy" for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of "policy" for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "policy"
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