n.; pl. Decencies [ L. decentia, fr. decens: cf. F. décence. See Decent. ] 1. The quality or state of being decent, suitable, or becoming, in words or behavior; propriety of form in social intercourse, in actions, or in discourse; proper formality; becoming ceremony; seemliness; hence, freedom from obscenity or indecorum; modesty. [ 1913 Webster ]
Observances of time, place, and of decency in general. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]
Immodest words admit of no defense,
For want of decency is want of sense. Roscommon. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. That which is proper or becoming. [ 1913 Webster ]
The external decencies of worship. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]
Those thousand decencies, that daily flow
From all her words and actions. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]