\Pro*pri"e*ty\, n.; pl. {Proprieties}. [F.
propri['e]t['e], L. proprietas, fr. proprius one's own,
proper. See {Property}, {Proper}.]
1. Individual right to hold property; ownership by personal
   title; property. [Obs.] ``Onles this propriety be
   exiled.'' --Robynson (More's Utopia).

         So are the proprieties of a wife to be disposed of
         by her lord, and yet all are for her provisions, it
         being a part of his need to refresh and supply hers.
                                               --Jer. Taylor.

2. That which is proper or peculiar; an inherent property or
   quality; peculiarity. [Obs.] --Bacon.

         We find no mention hereof in ancient zo["o]graphers,
         . . . who seldom forget proprieties of such a
         nature.                               --Sir T.
                                               Browne.

3. The quality or state of being proper; suitableness to an
   acknowledged or correct standard or rule; consonance with
   established principles, rules, or customs; fitness;
   appropriateness; as, propriety of behavior, language,
   manners, etc. ``The rule of propriety,'' --Locke.