Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Definition of priggish - 2 dictionary results

prig

1[prig]
–noun
a person who displays or demands of others pointlessly precise conformity, fussiness about trivialities, or exaggerated propriety, esp. in a self-righteous or irritating manner.

Origin:
1560–70; formerly, coxcomb; perh. akin to prink


priggish, adjective
prig⋅gish⋅ly, adverb
prig⋅gish⋅ness, noun


prude, puritan, bluenose.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To priggish
prig   (prĭg)   
n.  
  1. A person who demonstrates an exaggerated conformity or propriety, especially in an irritatingly arrogant or smug manner.

  2. Chiefly British A petty thief or pickpocket.

  3. Archaic A conceited dandy; a fop.

tr.v.   prigged, prig·ging, prigs Chiefly British
To steal or pilfer.

[Origin unknown.]
prig'ger·y n., prig'gish adj., prig'gish·ly adv., prig'gish·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see priggish on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: