privy

[priv-ee]

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.

noun

plural

privies 

1. outhouse.

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

privy

/ ˈprɪvɪ /

adjective

1. participating in the knowledge of something secret

2. archaic,  secret, hidden, etc

3. archaic,  of or relating to one person only

noun

1. a lavatory, esp an outside one

2. law a person in privity with another See privity

Word History and Origins

Origin of privy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of privy¹

C13: from Old French privé something private, from Latin prīvātus _private

Example Sentences

That the audience is made privy to this deceit, including how Dennis forced his way into Roman’s life, casts a complex tension on their subsequent heart-to-hearts.

From Los Angeles Times

Although fans won’t be privy to that next chapter, it’s easy to imagine where these characters will go and how the world around them will continue to change.

From Los Angeles Times

“There were a lot of books, and artists frequented our home. And as children we were privy to great intellectual and artistic debates,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Technically the privy council is not covered by the lese majeste law, which states that it is an offence to defame only the king, queen, heir to the throne or anyone acting as regent.

From BBC

Not being privy to any boardroom discussions or the thoughts of executives and accountants, I won’t claim to know why that was — most everything these days is a calculation instead of a gamble.

From Los Angeles Times