Sumptuary - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Sumptuary refers to laws or customs that regulate personal behavior, especially concerning luxury or extravagance, such as restricting certain clothing or expenditures based on social status. It often relates to historical practices.
Definition:
Relating to laws or rules regulating personal expenses, especially luxury items.
Synonyms:
restrictive, regulatory, prohibitive, controlling
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
permissive, unrestrictive
Common Collocations:
sumptuary laws, sumptuary regulations, sumptuary taxes
Derivatives:
sumptuously, sumptuousness
Usage Tips:
Use "sumptuary" to describe laws or rules limiting extravagant spending or luxury goods.
Common Phrases:
sumptuary legislation, sumptuary code, sumptuary restrictions
Etymology:
From Latin "sumptuarius," meaning "relating to expenses," derived from "sumptus" (expense).
Examples:
- 1. The king enforced sumptuary laws to curb excessive spending on clothing.
- 2. Sumptuary regulations in medieval Europe restricted lavish feasts among commoners.
- 3. The government repealed outdated sumptuary taxes on imported luxury goods.
- 4. Critics argue that sumptuary rules infringe on personal freedoms.