privy

American  

[priv-ee] / ˈprɪv i /

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.

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noun

plural

privies

1. outhouse.

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

privy British  

/ ˈprɪvɪ /

adjective

1. participating in the knowledge of something secret

2. archaic secret, hidden, etc

3. archaic of or relating to one person only

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noun

1. a lavatory, esp an outside one

2. law a person in privity with another See privity

Etymology

Origin of privy

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

Example Sentences

“You just feel that it’s happening, even if you’re not privy to the exact contents of the conversations.”

From Salon

Why was Swinney privy to details that would not become public for more than a month?

From BBC

They’re not privy to the power politics of Manhattan after parties.

From Salon

Neither parent is privy to the fact that Ray simply isn’t very nice.

From Los Angeles Times

Since we are not privy to the perspectives of any of the Sharafs, there is a somewhat frustrating hole at the center of “Good People.”

From The Wall Street Journal