punctilio

Definition

A fine point in exactness of conduct, ceremony or procedure.

Etymology

From Italian puntiglio, or Spanish puntillo, diminutive from Latin pūnctum (“point”).

Example Sentences

• "[…]–but, a-propos, ſaid he—Shakeſpear is full of great things—He forgot a ſmall punctillio of announcing your name—it puts you under a neceſſity of doing it yourſelf."
• "The country was rigorous in exacting my compliance to my engagements to a punctilio, but equally careless in performing her contracts with me; and why so?"
• "It was only whispered, for something unutterably mournful no less than distressing in this spectacle of a man showing himself to be so entirely the vane of a passion enervated the feminine instinct for punctilios."