sumptuary

[ suhmp-choo-er-ee ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, dealing with, or regulating expense or expenditure.
2. intended to regulate personal habits on moral or religious grounds.

sumptuary

/ ˈsʌmptjʊərɪ /

adjective

1. relating to or controlling expenditure or extravagance

Word History and Origins

Origin of sumptuary¹

1590–1600; < Latin sūmptuārius, equivalent to sūmptu ( s ) spending, expense ( sūm ( ere ) to take, procure ( consume ) + intrusive -p- + -tus suffix of v. action) + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of sumptuary¹

C17: from Latin sumptuārius concerning expense, from sumptus expense, from sūmere to spend

Example Sentences

Naturally the sumptuary laws about the wearing of fur were perpetually infringed upon, to the great satisfaction of the furriers.

From Project Gutenberg

The sumptuary law for burying the dead in woollen, still occupies its place in their statute book.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Holmes justly remarks: "This sumptuary law, for the matter and style, is a curiosity."

From Project Gutenberg

It is with great pleasure that I see you mention sumptuary laws.

From Project Gutenberg

Lastly, to put limits to extravagance, the sumptuary laws were promulgated.

From Project Gutenberg