Pudic (Adjective)

Definition 1: Modest as a result of being chaste, having a very sensitive sense of shame.

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Usage 1: American dictionaries no longer list this word but it continues to be used in Britain (thanks, cousins). The adverb is the standard "pudically" and the noun, "pudicity." This word is entrenched in our vocabulary from the days when pure and chaste maidens were supposed to be ashamed of their attraction to men. Blushing or, better, fainting at words like "love" and "kiss" were taken as strong signs girls were pudic and behaving themselves.

Suggested usage: Historically, this word was used to described proper young ladies, "She always lived the pudic life her father wanted, even when he was away with his various mistresses." Of course, it is a mistake to think that just because this word was associated with girls in the past, it refers only to that gender: "Bigelow was so pudic in his demeanor, girls were attracted to him like blind moths to an unlit candle."

Etymology: Latin pudic-us "shamefaced, modest, chaste" via French "pudique." From pud-ere "to make or be ashamed." (Banks of thanks to the, I'm sure, pudic Nancy Hunter for today's remembrance of things passing if not passed.)

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