sumptuary

[ suhmp-choo-er-ee ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, dealing with, or regulating expense or expenditure.
2. intended to regulate personal habits on moral or religious grounds.

sumptuary

/ ˈsʌmptjʊərɪ /

adjective

1. relating to or controlling expenditure or extravagance

Word History and Origins

Origin of sumptuary¹

1590–1600; < Latin sūmptuārius, equivalent to sūmptu ( s ) spending, expense ( sūm ( ere ) to take, procure ( consume ) + intrusive -p- + -tus suffix of v. action) + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of sumptuary¹

C17: from Latin sumptuārius concerning expense, from sumptus expense, from sūmere to spend

Example Sentences

And it was possible to be accused of witchcraft for breaking the Puritanical sumptuary laws and “sadd colors” dress code.

From New York Times

Later in history, the use of the rare and expensive color purple was restricted by Roman sumptuary laws, which penalized ostentatious clothing and jewelry.

From Fox News

Black took on an air of cultured urbanity beginning in the Renaissance, when so-called sumptuary laws limited the wearing of rich colors like red and purple to the aristocracy.

From New York Times

“It’s like there’s a new sumptuary law against introspection.”

From The New Yorker

“It’s like there’s a sumptuary law against introspection.”

From Washington Post