policy

I. noun (plural -cies) Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English policie government, policy, from Middle French police, policie — more at police Date: 15th century 1. a. prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs b. management or procedure based primarily on material interest 2. a. a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions b. a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body II. noun (plural -cies) Etymology: alteration of earlier police, from Middle French, certificate, from Old Italian polizza, modification of Medieval Latin apodixa receipt, from Middle Greek apodeixis, from Greek, proof, from apodeiknynai to demonstrate — more at apodictic Date: 1565 1. a writing whereby a contract of insurance is made 2. a. a daily lottery in which participants bet that certain numbers will be drawn from a lottery wheel b. number 7a