privy

Definition

Private, exclusive; not public; one's own.

Etymology

From Middle English pryvy, prive, from Old French privé (“private”), from Latin prīvātus (“deprived”), perfect passive participle of prīvō (“I bereave, deprive; I free, release”). Doublet of private.

Example Sentences

• "The king retreated to his privy chamber."
• "the privy purse"
• "Nonetheless, in the dark and privy stillness of our minds there are few of us who are not still haunted by worrisome doubts."

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