Primness

prim ¹  (prm)

adj. prim·mer, prim·mest

1.

a. Precise or proper to the point of affectation; excessively decorous.

b. Strait-laced; prudish.

2. Neat and trim: a prim hedgerow.

v. primmed, prim·ming, prims

v.tr.

1. To fix (the face or mouth) in a prim expression.

2. To make prim, as in dress or appearance.

v.intr.

To assume a prim expression.

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[Possibly from obsolete prim, formal or demure person, perhaps from Old French prin, first, delicate; see prime.]

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primly adv.

primness n.

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prim ²  (prm)

n.

A privet.

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[Short for obsolete primprint, of unknown origin.]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	primness - excessive or affected modesty Grundyism, prudery, prudishness modesty, modestness - freedom from vanity or conceit
	2.	primness - exaggerated and arrogant properness priggishness correctitude, properness, propriety - correct or appropriate behavior