Definition of: proper

(prop′ər) adjective
1. Having special adaptation or fitness; specially suited; applicable; appropriate.
2. Conforming to a standard; becoming; seemly; correct.
3. Naturally belonging to a person or thing; particular; peculiar.
4. Understood in the most correct sense; strictly so called: commonly following the noun modified.
5. Gram. Belonging to an individual person, family, place, or the like: a proper noun: opposed to common.
6. Archaic Belonging to or affecting oneself; own.
7. Her. Represented in the natural color.
8. Eccl. Appointed for special use: the proper psalms for Christmas.
9. Archaic Of becoming form or appearance.
10. Archaic Good; excellent; pleasant.
11. Obs. Respectable; worthy; honest. See synonyms under APPROPRIATE, BECOMING, CONVENIENT, CORRECT, GOOD, MODEST.
—noun A collection of prayers; specifically, that portion of the breviary or missal containing the prayers and collects suitable to special occasions. [<OF propre <L proprius one's own]
—prop′er·ness noun