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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

;

pl.

Pruderies

(#)

[F.

pruderie

. See

The quality or state of being prudish; excessive or affected scrupulousness in speech or conduct; stiffness; coyness.

Cowper.

Noun.

[from prude.] Affected scrupulousness; excessive nicety in conduct; stiffness; affected reserve or gravity; coyness.