Proude

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. An old spelling for the feeling of satisfaction one has in one's own achievements ; a haughty and disdainful manner toward others ; something lofty, grand or magnificent in appearance
2. Deep satisfaction in what one has accomplished or owns ; conceited and scornful of those thought to be lesser ; majestic, imposing or stately in bearing or form
3. Taking pleasure in a success or possession ; overbearing, self-important and disdainful toward others ; noble, splendid or lofty in appearance

Etymology: "Proude" is simply an older spelling of "proud", used in Middle English and later. The modern word's roots are contested. It descends from Old English "prūd" and "prūt", meaning proud, arrogant or haughty, and it has cognates in Old Norse "prúðr", meaning gallant, brave or magnificent. That Norse sense is a clue, because the original meaning was closer to admirable than to conceited. The most cited theory links the word to Old French "prod" or "prut", meaning brave or gallant, which came from Late Latin "prōde", meaning useful. However, the Old English forms of related words, such as "prȳte" and "prȳtian", suggest the word may be older and native to English rather than borrowed. Across centuries, the sense slid from praiseworthy valour toward self-regard. The same drift happened in Old English, where "prȳde" and "prȳtung" were both used for pride, and the modern word inherited that negative edge.