punctilio

American  

[puhngk-til-ee-oh] / pʌŋkˈtɪl iˌoʊ /

noun

punctilios plural

1. a fine point, particular, or detail, as of conduct, ceremony, or procedure.

2. strictness or exactness in the observance of formalities or amenities.

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punctilio British  

/ pʌŋkˈtɪlɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. strict attention to minute points of etiquette

2. a petty formality or fine point of etiquette

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• punctilios
  plural

Etymology

Origin of punctilio

First recorded in 1590–1600; alteration of Italian puntiglio, from Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto, from Latin pūnctum point

Explanation

Any custom of etiquette can be called a punctilio, especially if it seems a bit silly. Your grandfather's punctilio of announcing his name when he answers the phone might seem silly to you. Men holding doors open for women seems pretty old fashioned to many young people — and a little bit sexist, too. Some older men, however, will stick to this punctilio because they feel it would be rude not to do it. Punctilio comes from the Spanish puntillo, or "little point."

Example Sentences

The Canons must all make Proof of their Nobility; tho' 'tis a Punctilio with which the King, who confers all the Prebends and Dignities of the Chapter, sometimes dispenses.

From The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume I Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels from Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several Courts. by P?llnitz, Karl Ludwig von

By Jove, I do not question it, Cleontius: What need this odd Punctilio?

From The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume III by Summers, Montague

Punctilio will, at any time, stand for reason with such an one.

From Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 3 by Richardson, Samuel

Punctilio won't stand in the way of that, I should think.

From In Clive's Command A Story of the Fight for India by Strang, Herbert

Punctilio at an end, the moment she is out of her father's house.

From Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 2 by Richardson, Samuel