All 3 Uses of
propriety
in
Hard Times
- …he stood as he had stood all the time — his usual stoop upon him; his pondering face addressed to Mr. Bounderby, with a curious expression on it, half shrewd, half perplexed, as if his mind were set upon unravelling something very difficult; his hat held tight in his left hand, which rested on his hip; his right arm, with a rugged propriety and force of action, very earnestly emphasizing what he said: not least so when it always paused, a little bent, but not withdrawn, as he paused.†
Chpt 1.11
- There was a propriety, not to say a dignity in these words, that made the hearers yet more quiet and attentive.†
Chpt 2.4 *
- 'Well, ma'am,' said Bounderby, 'without making any observation to you that may not be made with propriety to a woman of good family, what I have got to add to that, is that there is something else in which it appears to me you may take refuge, namely, a coach.†
Chpt 3.3
Definition:
-
(propriety) socially correct or appropriate behavior