decorous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct
    • the tete-a-tete was decorous in the extreme
  2. adjective satellite according with custom or propriety
    comme il faut; decent; becoming; seemly; comely.
    • her becoming modesty
    • comely behavior
    • it is not comme il faut for a gentleman to be constantly asking for money
    • a decent burial
    • seemly behavior

WordNet

De*co"rous adjective
Etymology
L. decrus, fr. decor comeliness, beauty; akin to decere. See Decent, and cf. Decorum.
Definitions
  1. Suitable to a character, or to the time, place, and occasion; marked with decorum; becoming; proper; seemly; befitting; as, a decorous speech; decorous behavior; a decorous dress for a judge.
    A decorous pretext the war. Motley.
    -- De*co"rous*ly, adv. -- De*co"rous*ness, n.

Webster 1913