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Webster 1913 Edition

Prude

Prude

,
Noun.
[F., prudish, originally, discreet, modest; shortened from OF.
prudefeme
,
preudefeme
, a discreet or excellent woman; OF.
preu
,
prou
, excellent, brave +
de
of +
fete
woman. See
Prow
,
Adj.
,
Prowess
.]
A woman of affected modesty, reserve, or coyness; one who is overscrupulous or sensitive; one who affects extraordinary prudence in conduct and speech.
Less modest than the speech of
prudes
.
Swift.

Webster 1828 Edition

Prude

PRUDE

,
Noun.
[Gr. prudence.] A woman of great reserve, coyness, affected stiffness of manners and scrupulous nicety.
Less modest than the speech of prudes.

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