Policy
WordNet
noun
(1) A plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
"It was a policy of retribution"
"A politician keeps changing his policies"
(2) Written contract or certificate of insurance
"You should have read the small print on your policy"
(3) A line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government
"They debated the policy or impolicy of the proposed legislation"
WiktionaryText
Etymology 1
From policie < politia "the state" < (politeia) "polis, (city) state, government"
Noun
- A plan or course of action, especially one of an organization or government
- The Communist Party has a policy of returning power to the workers
- A course of action thought to be prudent or tactically advantageous; hence prudence or sagacity
- Honesty is the best policy
- Some policy players frequented policy shops
- A statement of commitment to a broad requirement, often used in an organisation to instruct personnel as to a required outcome (note: whereas "Procedures" describe how a policy is implemented).
- Shrewdness or artfulness
- 1813, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Modern Library Edition (1995), page 140
- These bitter accusations might have been suppressed, had I with greater policy concealed my struggles, and flattered you...
- 1813, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Modern Library Edition (1995), page 140
Etymology 2
From police < polizza < apodissa "receipt for money" < (apodeixis) "proof, declaration"