priggery
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prig
(prĭg)n.
1. A person who demonstrates an exaggerated conformity or propriety, especially in an irritatingly arrogant or smug manner.
2. Archaic
a. A petty thief or pickpocket.
b. A conceited dandy; a fop.
tr.v. prigged, prig·ging, prigs Chiefly British
To steal or pilfer.
[Origin unknown.]
prig′ger·y n.
prig′gish adj.
prig′gish·ly adv.
prig′gish·ness n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.