Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - propriety

n. (pl. -ies) 1 fitness; rightness (doubt the propriety of refusing him). 2 correctness of behaviour or morals (highest standards of propriety). 3 (in pl.) the details or rules of correct conduct (must observe the proprieties). Etymology: ME, = ownership, peculiarity f. OF propriet{eacute} PROPERTY