Word of the Day: Decorum

de-co-rum / di-ˈkȯr-əm

noun

1. dignified speech or behavior

When decorum is repression, the only dignity free men have is to speak out.

Abbie Hoffman, 1936-1989

2. a particular sense of order

In golf, the customs and etiquette and decorum are as important as the rules of play.

Bobby Jones, 1902-1971

3. plural, the correct and polite ways in which one should behave

I have a mortal terror at the apprehension of offending against decorums.

from the play ‘The Way of the World’ by William Congreve, 1670-1729