privy

[ priv-ee ]

adjective

, priv·i·er, priv·i·est.

1. participating in the knowledge of something private or secret (usually followed by to ):

   Many persons were privy to the plot.

2. private; assigned to private uses.
3. belonging or pertaining to some particular person, especially with reference to a sovereign.
4. secret, concealed, hidden, or secluded.
5. acting or done in secret.

noun

, plural priv·ies.

1. outhouse ( def 1 ).
2. Law. a person participating directly in or having a derivative interest in a legal transaction.

privy

/ ˈprɪvɪ /

adjective

1. postpositivefoll byto participating in the knowledge of something secret
2. archaic.
   secret, hidden, etc
3. archaic.
   of or relating to one person only

noun

1. a lavatory, esp an outside one
2. law a person in privity with another See privity

Word History and Origins

Origin of privy¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English prive, from Old French: “private” (adjective), “close friend, private place” (noun), from Latin prīvātus private

Word History and Origins

Origin of privy¹

C13: from Old French privé something private, from Latin prīvātus private

Example Sentences

It says that the Keeper of the Privy Purse, who looks after the royal finances, has been instructed to end the personal allowance and security payments for Prince Andrew.

From BBC

We have been privy to a heavier sorrow in their story that reveals much about what women of Stewart’s era were expected to do and what her refusal to be limited to those restrictions cost her.

From Salon

He insists that because citizens pay taxes, they should be privy to the health of their leaders.

From BBC

The new powers to award taught degrees were conferred by the Privy Council - an advisory body to the King, whose members are known as Privy Counsellors - and approved by the Scottish Parliament.

From BBC

“It is evident that her potential to expose the realities of her personal abuses, being drugged, the #SexTrafficking and #HumanTrafficking she was privy to, akin to the brave actions of Mrs. Cassie Ventura, posed a threat to those profiting from such heinous activities,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times