- privy (adj.)
- "private," early 13c., from O.Fr. privé, from L. privatus (see private). Meaning "participating in a secret" (usually with to) is attested from late 14c. The noun meaning "toilet" is early 13c., from O.Fr. privé, from the adj. Privy Council is from c.1300 in a general sense; specifically of the British government, first attested late 14c., as consaile priue.