priggery

[ prig-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural prig·ger·ies

1. the conduct or character of a prig.
2. an act or remark characteristic of a prig.

Word History and Origins

Origin of priggery¹

First recorded in 1735–45; prig ¹ + -ery

Example Sentences

In practice, this lofted him into the highest ranks of priggery and fuss.

From The New Yorker

They are commended by a certain dapper shrewdness of observation and an almost witty priggery, not by any real beauty or deep feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

Principle, priggery, call it what you will.

From The Guardian

The face shows the same old clutter of confusions: arrogance, snobbery, priggery, pushiness, stinginess, grossness, rampant infantilism.

From Time Magazine Archive

Of course, we should be broadminded; and priggery ought to have no place in our attitude toward the stage.

From Time Magazine Archive