proprietorial

English

Etymology

From proprietor +‎ -ial.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɔːɹiəl

Adjective

proprietorial (comparative more proprietorial, superlative most proprietorial)

1. Of or pertaining to ownership.
2. Characteristic of or behaving like a proprietor or owner (of a thing); possessive.
   • 2004, David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas, London: Hodder and Stoughton, →ISBN, page 483:

     A superficially handsome young fellow had his arm round her, and he barred my way and told me something in proprietorial Flemish.

   • 2006, Elizabeth Buchan, Wives Behaving Badly, →ISBN:

     “I'm pretty sure he did, Felix.” There was a proprietorial note in Rose's voice, to which I objected.

Synonyms

• proprietary

Related terms

• proprietarial (uncommon)