ˈprɔpə adj., adv., & n. --adj. 1 a
accurate,
correct (in
the proper
sense of the
word;
gave him the proper amount). b fit,
suitable,
right (at the proper
time; do it the proper way). 2
decent;
respectable,
esp. excessively so (not
quite proper). 3 (usu. foll. by to) belonging or relating exclusively or distinctively (with the
respect proper to them). 4 (usu. placed
after noun)
strictly so called; real;
genuine (this is the
crypt,
not the
cathedral proper). 5 colloq.
thorough;
complete (had a proper row
about it). 6 (usu. placed after noun)
Heraldry in the
natural, not
conventional, colours (a
peacock proper). 7
archaic (of a person)
handsome;
comely. 8 (usu.
with possessive pronoun) archaic
own (with my proper eyes). --adv.
Brit.
dial. or colloq. 1 completely;
very (felt proper daft). 2 (with
reference to speech) in a
genteel manner (learn to
talk proper). --n. Eccl. the
part of a service
that varies with the
season or
feast. øproper
fraction a fraction that is
less than unity, with the
numerator less than the
denominator. proper
motion Astron. the part of the
apparent motion of a fixed
star etc. that is
due to
its actual movement in
space relative to the
sun. proper
noun (or name) Gram. a
name used
for an
individual person,
place,
animal,
country,
title,
etc.,
and spelt with a capital
letter, e.g.
Jane, London, Everest. proper psalms (or lessons etc.) psalms or lessons etc. appointed for a
particular day. øøproperness n. [ME f. OF propre f. L proprius one's own, special]