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policy

noun (1), often attributive
pol·​i·​cy | \ ˈpä-lÉ™-sÄ“ How to pronounce policy (audio) \
plural policies

Definition of policy

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs
b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest
2a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions
b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body

policy

noun (2)
plural policies

Definition of policy (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a writing whereby a contract of insurance is made
2a : a daily lottery in which participants bet that certain numbers will be drawn from a lottery wheel
b : number sense 7a

First Known Use of policy

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for policy

Noun (1)

Middle English policie government, policy, from Middle French police, policie — more at police

Noun (2)

alteration of earlier police, from Middle French, certificate, from Old Italian polizza, modification of Medieval Latin apodixa receipt, from Middle Greek apodeixis, from Greek, proof, from apodeiknynai to demonstrate — more at apodictic

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More Definitions for policy

policy

noun
pol·​i·​cy | \ ˈpä-lÉ™-sÄ“ How to pronounce policy (audio) \
plural policies

Kids Definition of policy

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a set of guidelines or rules that determine a course of action What is the store's return policy?

policy

noun
plural policies

Kids Definition of policy (Entry 2 of 2)

: a document that contains the agreement made by an insurance company with a person whose life or property is insured

policy

noun
pol·​i·​cy | \ ˈpä-lÉ™-sÄ“ How to pronounce policy (audio) \
plural policies

Legal Definition of policy

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: an overall plan, principle, or guideline especially : one formulated outside of the judiciary obligated to consider legislative policy on the matter in their decision

policy

noun
plural policies

Legal Definition of policy (Entry 2 of 2)

: a contract of insurance also : the written instrument of such a contract

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