Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for DE'CENT
DE-CEN'NO-VAL, or DE-CEN'NO-VA-RYDE'CENT-LY
DE'CENT, a. [L. decens; Fr. decent. See Decency.]
- Becoming; fit; suitable, in words, behavior, dress and ceremony; as, decent language; decent conduct or actions; decent ornaments or dress.
- Comely; not gaudy or ostentatious. A sable stole of Cyprus lawn, / O'er the decent shoulders drawn. – Milton.
- Not immodest.
- In popular language, moderate, but competent; not large; as, a decent fortune. So a decent person is one not highly accomplished, nor offensively rude.
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