propriety

n.; pl. Proprieties [ F. propriété, 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). [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is proper or peculiar; an inherent property or quality; peculiarity. [ Obs. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

We find no mention hereof in ancient zoographers, . . . who seldom forget proprieties of such a nature. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]