| 释义 |
prudery|ˈpruːdərɪ, ˈpruːdrɪ|
[ad. F. pruderie (Molière 1666), f. prude prude: see -ery.]
The characteristic quality of a prude; the character of being prudish; excessive regard for the proprieties in speech or behaviour; extreme or affected modesty or demureness.
1709Steele Tatler No. 126 ⁋2 If she has any Aversion to the Power of inspiring so great a Virtue..she..is still in the State of Prudery. 1716Lady M. W. Montagu Let. to Lady Rich 20 Sept., Good..ladies long since retired to prudery and ratifia. 1745H. Walpole Lett. (1846) II. 49, I intend to have infinite fun with his prudery about this anecdote. 1813Salem Gaz. 2 July 4/1 A lady in the west end of the town has carried her prudery so far, as to separate the writings of male and female authors in her library. 1880V. Lee Stud. Italy iv. iv. 174 Ecclesiastical prudery would suffer no woman on the stage.
b. pl. Prudish acts or words.
1828Scott F.M. Perth iv, She has stopped my mouth over-long with her pruderies and her scruples. |