◙ adjective 1. [predic.] (privy to)sharing in the knowledge of (something secret or private) • 私下知情的；参与秘密的 »he was no longer privy to her innermost thoughts. 他不再能分享她内心深处的想法。 (archaic)hidden;secret • [古] 隐蔽的；秘密的 »a privy place. 隐蔽场所。 ◙ (pl. -ies) 1. a toilet located in a small shed outside a house or other building • （屋外的）厕所 2. [Law] a person having a part or interest in any action, matter, or thing • [律] （共同参与行动或有共同利益的）利害关系人，当事人
【派生】
♦ privily adverb
【语源】
1. Middle English (originally in the sense 'belonging to one's own private circle'): from Old French prive 'private' (also used as a noun meaning 'private place' and 'familiar friend'), from Latin privatus 'withdrawn from public life' (seeprivate)