decency

Definition

The quality of being decent; propriety.

Etymology

From Latin decentia, from decens. Equivalent to decent + -cy. Compare French décence.

Example Sentences

• "Immodest words admit of no defence, / For want of decency is want of sense."
• "Indeed it is for the moſt part in our ſkill in manners, and in the obſervances of time and place, and of decency in general, which is only to be learned in thoſe ſchools to which Horace recommends us, that what is called Taſte by way of diſtinction, conſiſts; and which is in reality no other than a more refined judgment."
• "[To Joseph McCarthy:] Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"