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Webster 1913 Edition


Impropriety

Imˊpro-pri′e-ty

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Improprieties
(#)
.
[L.
improprietas
; cf. F.
impropriété
. See
Improper
.]
1.
The quality of being improper; unfitness or unsuitableness to character, time place, or circumstances;
as,
impropriety
of behavior or manners
.
2.
That which is improper; an unsuitable or improper act, or an inaccurate use of language.
But every language has likewise its
improprieties
and absurdities.
Johnson.
Many gross
improprieties
, however authorized by practice, ought to be discarded.
Swift.

Webster 1828 Edition


Impropriety

IMPROPRI'ETY

,
Noun.
[L. improprius. See Improper.]
1.
Unfitness; unsuitableness to character, time, place or circumstances; as impropriety of behavior or manners. Levity of conduct is an impropriety in a religious assembly and at a funeral. Rudeness or forwardness in young persons before their superiors, is impropriety. Indecency and indecorum are improprieties.
2.
Inaccuracy in language; a word or phrase not according with the established usages or principles of speaking or writing.
Many gross improprieties, however authorized by practice, ought to be discarded.