Main Entry: ¹pre·cious

Pronunciation: \ˈpre-shəs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French precios, from Latin pretiosus, from pretium price — more at price

Date: 13th century

1 : of great value or high price <precious jewels>
2 : highly esteemed or cherished <a precious friend>
3 : excessively refined : affected <precious manners>
4 : great, thoroughgoing <a precious scoundrel>

— pre·cious·ness noun