punctilio
[puhngk-til-ee-oh]
- a fine point, particular, or detail, as of conduct, ceremony, or procedure.
- strictness or exactness in the observance of formalities or amenities.
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Origin of punctilio
1590–1600; alteration of Italian puntiglio < Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto < Latin pūnctum point
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for punctilio
Historical Examples
Punctilio at an end, the moment she is out of her father's house.
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
Punctilio is out of doors the moment you are out of your father's house.
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
But if you cannot despise and hate him—if you care not to break with him, you must part with some punctilio's.
Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
Punctilio will, at any time, stand for reason with such an one.
Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
Very honorable indeed; but at this moment we must waive a punctilio.
The Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. I (of II)Charles James Lever
punctilio
- strict attention to minute points of etiquette
- a petty formality or fine point of etiquette
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Word Origin
C16: from Italian puntiglio small point, from punto point, from Latin punctum point
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for punctilio
n.
1590s, "point," also "detail of action," from Italian puntiglio or Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto "point" (see point (n.)).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper