- policy (1)
- "way of management, government, administration," late 14c., from O.Fr. policie (14c.) "civil administration," from L. politia "the state," from Gk. politeia "state, administration, government, citizenship," from polites "citizen," from polis "city, state," from PIE *p(o)lH- "enclosed space, often on high ground" (cf. Skt. pur, puram "city, citadel," Lith. pilis "fortress"). Meaning "plan of action, way of management" first recorded c.1406.
- policy (2)
- "written insurance agreement," 1565, from M.Fr. police "contract, bill of lading" (1371), from It. polizza "written evidence of a transaction," from M.L. apodissa "receipt for money," from Gk. apodexis "proof, declaration," from apo- "off" + deiknynia "to show," cognate with L. dicere "to tell" (see diction).