prim

 
Pronunciation: /prɪm/

adjective (primmer, primmest)

  • feeling or showing disapproval of anything regarded as improper; stiffly correct: a very prim and proper lady

verb (prims, primming, primmed)

[with object]
  • purse (the mouth or lips) into a prim expression: Laurie primmed up his mouth

Derivatives

primly

adverb

primness

noun

Origin:

late 17th century (as a verb): probably ultimately from Old French prin, Provençal prim 'excellent, delicate', from Latin primus 'first'