privy

[priv-ee]

adjective

privier, priviest 

1. participating in the knowledge of something private or secret (usually followed byto ).

   Many persons were privy to the plot.

2. private; assigned to private uses.

3. belonging or pertaining to some particular person, especially with reference to a sovereign.

4. secret, concealed, hidden, or secluded.

5. acting or done in secret.

noun

plural

privies 

1. outhouse.

2. Law.,  a person participating directly in or having a derivative interest in a legal transaction.

privy

/ ˈprɪvɪ /

adjective

1. participating in the knowledge of something secret

2. archaic,  secret, hidden, etc

3. archaic,  of or relating to one person only

noun

1. a lavatory, esp an outside one

2. law a person in privity with another See privity

Word History and Origins

Origin of privy¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English prive, from Old French: “private” (adjective), “close friend, private place” (noun), from Latin prīvātus private

Word History and Origins

Origin of privy¹

C13: from Old French privé something private, from Latin prīvātus _private

Example Sentences

Margaret, who was not privy to all the complexities of the situation, seemed puzzled by this sudden outcry for baking expertise.

Read more on Literature

Penelope was sorry to have to be privy to this conversation, but alas, the idea that she could be used as a personal secretary had taken root in Lady Constance’s mind.

Read more on Literature

US concerns became immediately clear: Wright USA was privy to the personal details of many of America's top secret service agents and intelligence officials.

Read more on BBC

"We weren't privy to that information so the excitement when he won and announced the charity ... we were absolutely elated," Victoria said.

Read more on BBC

Following last week’s jewelry heist at Paris’s Louvre Museum, Sotheby’s has bolstered security to protect its privy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal