Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Privet \Priv"et\, n. [Cf. Scot. privie, Prov. E. prim-print,
   primwort. Prob. for primet, and perh. named from being cut
   and trimmed. See, {Prim}, a., and cf. {Prime} to prune,
   {Prim}, n., {Prie}, n.] (Bot.)
   An ornamental European shrub ({Ligustrum vulgare}), much used
   in hedges; -- called also {prim}.

   {Egyptian privet}. See {Lawsonia}.

   {Evergreen privet}, a plant of the genus {Rhamnus}. See
      {Alatern}.

   {Mock privet}, any one of several evergreen shrubs of the
      genus {Phillyrea}. They are from the Mediterranean region,
      and have been much cultivated for hedges and for
      fancifully clipped shrubberies.