Main Entry: pro·pri·e·ty

Pronunciation: \prə-ˈprī-ə-tē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural pro·pri·e·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