Priv"a*tive*ly, adv. In a privative manner; by the absence of
something; negatively. [R.] Hammond.
Priv"a*tive*ness, n. The state of being privative.
Priv"et (?), n. [Cf. Scot. privie, Prov. E. prim-print, primwort. Prob.
for primet, and perh. named from being cut and trimmed. See, Prim, a.,
and cf. Prime to prune, Prim, n., Prie, n.] (Bot.) An ornamental
European shrub (Ligustrum vulgare), much used in hedges; -- called also
prim.
Egyptian privet. See Lawsonia. -- Evergreen privet, a plant of the
genus Rhamnus. See Alatern. -- Mock privet, any one of several
evergreen shrubs of the genus Phillyrea. They are from the
Mediterranean region, and have been much cultivated for hedges and for
fancifully clipped shrubberies.
Priv"i*lege (?), n. [F. privilËge, L. privilegium an ordinance or law
against or in favor of an individual; privus private + lex, legis, law.
See Private, and Legal.]
1. A peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity not
enjoyed by others or by all; special enjoyment of a good, or exemption
from an evil or burden; a prerogative; advantage; franchise.
He pleads the legal privilege of a Roman.
Kettlewell.
The privilege birthright was a double portion.
Locke.
A people inheriting privileges, franchises, and liberties.
Burke.