Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Propriety \Pro*pri"e*ty\, n.; pl. {Proprieties}. [F.
   propri['e]t['e], L. proprietas, fr. proprius one's own,
   proper. See {Property}, {Proper}.]
   1. Individual right to hold property; ownership by personal
      title; property. [Obs.] ``Onles this propriety be
      exiled.'' --Robynson (More's Utopia).

            So are the proprieties of a wife to be disposed of
            by her lord, and yet all are for her provisions, it
            being a part of his need to refresh and supply hers.
                                                  --Jer. Taylor.

   2. That which is proper or peculiar; an inherent property or
      quality; peculiarity. [Obs.] --Bacon.

            We find no mention hereof in ancient zo["o]graphers,
            . . . who seldom forget proprieties of such a
            nature.                               --Sir T.
                                                  Browne.

   3. The quality or state of being proper; suitableness to an
      acknowledged or correct standard or rule; consonance with
      established principles, rules, or customs; fitness;
      appropriateness; as, propriety of behavior, language,
      manners, etc. ``The rule of propriety,'' --Locke.