That which is fir, suitable or becoming, in words or behavior; propriety of form, in social intercourse, in actions or discourse; proper formality; becoming ceremony. It has a special reference to behavior; as decency of conduct; decency of worship. But it is used also in reference to speech; as, he discoursed with decency. Those thousand decencies, that daily flow . From all her words and actions.

Suitableness to character; propriety: .

Propriety in speech; modesty; opposed to ribaldry, or obscenity. Want of decency is want of sense. It may be also used for propriety of speech, opposed to rudeness, or disrespectful language; and for propriety in dress, opposed to raggedness, exposure of nakedness, ffilthiness.