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Definition
informed about something secret or not generally knownMore rarely, privy can refer to a hidden place, outhouse, or toilet.
- privy to the details of the conspiracy
- It is difficult to vote wisely when I am not privy to all of the intelligence reports.
- You think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes.William Shakespeare -- Antony and Cleopatra
- And then anon that damosel picked her away privily, that no man wist where she was become.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur, Volume I
- In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.The Bible -- Psalms
- Perhaps we should speak more privily, Your Grace?George R.R. Martin -- A Storm of Swords
- And then privily he wrote unto her letters and ballads of the most goodliest that were used in those days.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur, Volume I
- But there Sir Launcelot was lodged privily by the means of Sir Lavaine with a rich burgess, that no man in that town was ware what they were.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur
- And then he let ordain privily a little vessel, and therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius, Dame Bragwaine, and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram's squire.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur, Volume I
- Come, let us go somewhere we can speak more privily.George R.R. Martin -- A Clash of Kings
- But when Galahad saw there would none turn again he stole away privily, so that none wist where he was become.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur
- But there Sir Launcelot was lodged privily by the means of Sir Lavaine with a rich burgess, that no man in that town was ware what they were.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur, Volume II
- And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well that he was sore ashamed, and as privily as he might he withdrew him out of the field.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur, Volume I
- And privily about midnight Sir Percivale came to Aglovale's squire and said: Arise and make thee ready, for ye and I will ride away secretly.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur
- 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.The Bible -- Psalms
- Then said Sir Dinadan privily unto Sir Tristram: Sir, that is Sir Launcelot du Lake that spake unto you first, and the other is my lord King Arthur.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur
- But when Galahad saw there would none turn again he stole away privily, so that none wist where he was become.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur, Volume II
- Is there someplace where we may speak more privily, Your Holiness?George R.R. Martin -- A Feast For Crows
- I may never believe, said Palomides, that King Arthur will ride so privily as a poor errant knight.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur
- When La Beale Isoud heard how he was missed, privily she went unto Sir Sadok, and prayed him to espy where was Sir Tristram.Thomas Malory -- Le Morte D'Arthur