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privy

UK/ˈpɹɪvi/ US/ˈprɪvi/ uncommon archaic
noun (2) adjective (2)

noun

1.
2.

a small outbuilding with a bench having holes through which a user can defecate

Synonyms

adjective

1.

hidden from general view or use

  • “a privy place to rest and think”
  • “a secluded romantic spot”
  • “a secret garden”
Synonyms
Similar
2.

(followed by `to'') informed about something secret or not generally known

  • “privy to the details of the conspiracy”
Similar

Origin

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

Phrases

  • privy council
  • privy councillor
  • privy house
  • privy mark
  • privy member
  • privy parts
  • privy seal

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WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.