Crossword clues for punctilio
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Punctilio \Punc*til"io\ (p[u^][ng]k*t[i^]l"y[-o]), n.; pl. Punctilios (-y[=o]z). [It. puntiglio, or Sp. puntillo, dim. fr. L. punctum point. See Point, n.] A nice point of exactness in conduct, ceremony, or proceeding; particularity or exactness in forms; as, the punctilios of a public ceremony.
They will not part with the least punctilio in their
opinions and practices.
--Fuller.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1590s, "point," also "detail of action," from Italian puntiglio or Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto "point" (see point (n.)).
Wiktionary
n. A fine point in exactness of conduct, ceremony or procedure. Strictness in observance of formalities.
WordNet
n. a fine point of etiquette or petty formality
strict observance of formalities
Usage examples of "punctilio".
It is against punctilio now for me to speak to him till after I am killed.
I was also influenced by religious motives that suggested to me the necessity of living to atone, by my sufferings and sorrow, for the guilt I had incurred in complying with a savage punctilio, which is, I fear, displeasing in the sight of Heaven.
For my own part, I have sacrificed to a rigid punctilio of honour the dearest ideas of my heart.
I am heartily inclined to serve you, as far as my weak abilities extend, I hope your generosity will not impute any little involuntary trespass of punctilio to my want of cordiality or esteem.
Wilson took the book, and as she dropped it into her work-bag, smiled at the Spanish punctilio of her friend in not looking into her prize under the peculiar circumstances.
Rossman went through the forms of Edwardian courtesy with a punctilio that would have been laughable if it were not so obviously a desperate effort to cling to something real and known.
Discarding punctilio and maxims adapted to more manageable times, and looking only to the unprecedentedly stern facts of our case, can you do better in any possible event?
The gentlemen of most prestige and account elected to ignore the entire undignified circumstance and went about their normal pursuits, with neither more nor less punctilio than usual.
Valdez himself, who when I sent my pinnace aboard must needs stand on his punctilios, and propound conditions.
In spite of her notions of decency, she was glad of his intrusion, and, being in no condition to observe punctilios, slipped on a wrapper, opened the door, and, with a faltering voice, owned herself frightened almost to distraction.
I was indeed a first lieutenant of marines, and will venture to say, that no officer in the service was more delicate than myself in observing all the punctilios of honour.
But if I am faced with a desperate crisis I will discard these punctilios like an old coat and still claim the title of gentleman.
Discarding punctilio and maxims adapted to more manageable times, and looking only to the unprecedentedly stern facts of our case, can you do better in any possible event?
Captain Widdershins was wrong to trust his stepson for so many years, and wrong to participate in the destruction of Anwhistle Aquatics, and he was wrong to insist, as he did so many years ago, that a story in The Daily Punctilio was completely true, and to show this article to so many volunteers, including the Baudelaire parents, the Snicket siblings, and the woman I happened to love.