propriety
/pɹəˈpɹaɪəti/ noun C2- The fact of possessing something; ownership.
- Suitability, fitness; the quality of being appropriate.
- Correctness in behaviour and morals; good manners, seemliness.
Plural proprieties
From the library
Darcy, with grave propriety, requested to be allowed the honour of her hand, but in vain.
Allowing the case, however, to stand according to your representation, you must remember, Miss Bennet, that the friend who is supposed to desire his return to the house, and the delay of his plan, has merely desired it, asked it without offering one argument in favour of its propriety.”
It could not be for society, as he frequently sat there ten minutes together without opening his lips; and when he did speak, it seemed the effect of necessity rather than of choice--a sacrifice to propriety, not a pleasure to himself.
Darcy had to decide on the propriety of his friend’s inclination; or why, upon his own judgment alone, he was to determine and direct in what manner that friend was to be happy.
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