English Explanatory Dictionary

privy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Private, exclusive; not public; one's own.
  2. Secret, hidden, concealed.
  3. With knowledge of; party to; let in on.
noun
  1. An outdoor facility for urination and defecation, whether open (latrine) or enclosed (outhouse).
  2. A lavatory: a room with a toilet.
  3. A toilet: a fixture used for urination and defecation.
  4. A partaker; one having an interest in an action, contract, etc. to which he is not himself a party.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɹɪvi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-privy.wav LL-Q1860 (eng)-Wodencafe-privy.wav

Word forms

privy more privy most privy privie privies

Etymology

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.

Synonyms

bathroom latrine necessarium toilet toilet room urinal water closet WC cloaca closet jacques kocay siege cludgie neddy netty shield six facilities ladies and gentlemen lavatory lavabo necessary necessary room office office of ease place potty privy small room smallest room throne room cottage geography House of Lords khazi usual offices restroom teahouse tearoom washroom comfort room CR closet of decency closet of ease house of office necessary place purging place vault withdraught wardrobe shitter urination station bog carsey crapper karzy lats lav lavvy

Related words

ignorant

Derived words

nonprivy privily priviness privy council privy councillor privy house privy-house privy mark privy member privy parts privy seal
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