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Yes, that's how it's mostly used today. But here are some dictionary definitions. OED (I've cut the examples) > prude, a. and n. > A. adj. That maintains or affects extreme propriety of speech and behaviour, especially in regard to the relations of the sexes; excessively modest, demure, or prim; prudish: usually applied adversely. Now rare. [...] > prude, a. and n. > (pruːd)[a. mod.F. prude adj. and n., said of a woman in same sense as the Eng. (Molière in Littré), in OF. prude, prode, preude, in a laudatory sense, good, virtuous, modest, respectable; either a back-formation from prudefemme (cf. prudhomme) or a later fem. form of prod, pro, pru: see preux, prow a.] >prude, a. and n. > B. n. A woman who maintains or affects excessive modesty or propriety in conduct or speech; one who is of extreme propriety: usually applied adversely with implication of affectation. [...] > prude, a. and n. > Hence ˈprudelike a., of the nature of, or characteristic of, a prude; ˈprudely adv., in the manner of a prude. [...] > prude, v. > intr. To conduct oneself in the manner of a prude; to act prudishly. Hence ˈpruding vbl. n. Websters Revised (1913): > Prude \Prude\, n. [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}, a., {Prowess}.] A woman of affected modesty, reserve, or coyness; one who is overscrupulous or sensitive; one who affects extraordinary prudence in conduct and speech. Chambers: > prude /prood/ > noun > 1. A person of priggish or affected modesty > 2. Someone who has or pretends to have extreme propriety > adjective ( rare) > 1. Priggish or affectedly modest > 2. Claiming extreme propriety |