privy

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
  2. noun a small outbuilding with a bench having holes through which a user can defecate
  3. adjective hidden from general view or use

Etymology

From Middle English pryvy, prive, from Old French privé (“private”), from Latin prīvātus (“deprived”), perfect passive participle of prīvō (“to bereave, deprive; to free, release”). Doublet of private.

In classic literature

Synonyms

toilet, lavatory, lav, can, john, bathroom

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