policy1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpɒlɪsi/

noun (plural policies)

  • a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization or individual: the government’s controversial economic policies [mass noun]: it is not company policy to dispense with our older workers
  • [mass noun] archaic prudent or expedient conduct or action: a course of policy and wisdom

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French policie 'civil administration', via Latin from Greek politeia 'citizenship', from politēs 'citizen', from polis 'city'