strait-laced
or straight-laced
[streyt-leyst]
- excessively strict in conduct or morality; puritanical; prudish: strait-laced censors.
- tightly laced, as a bodice.
- wearing tightly laced garments.
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Origin of strait-laced
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50
strait-lace
[streyt-leys]
- to bind, confine, or restrain with or as if with laces.
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Origin of strait-lace
First recorded in 1630–40; back formation from strait-laced
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
uptightVictorianpriggishprimprissyproperpuritanicalrigidsquarestarchystiffstrictstuffyold-maidishExamples from the Web for strait-laced
Contemporary Examples
Albert took the throne in July 2005 after the death of his strait-laced father, Prince Rainier.
Historical Examples
His strait-laced notions might revolt at races and betting-rings.
Sir Brook Fossbrooke, Volume I.Charles James Lever
Why, Parson, old man, you mustn't be too strait-laced out here.
Under FireCharles King
Some people thought her old fashioned, strait-laced, prudish.
The MaskArthur Hornblow
No one, I tell you, not even the most strait-laced or censorious.
The History of Sir Richard CalmadyLucas Malet
The ladies were not too strait-laced; dull care was banished.
The Magnificent MontezHorace Wyndham
strait-laced
straight-laced
- prudish or puritanical
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for strait-laced
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper