prude

Noun
Synonyms: puritan

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorumSynonyms: puritan
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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. [1913 Webster]

Less modest than the speech of prudes. --Swift. [1913 Webster]

The Devil's Dictionary

PRUDE, n. A bawd hiding behind the back of her demeanor.
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