Literary notes about Proper (AI summary)
The term "proper" is employed in literature to indicate that something is fitting, appropriate, or inherent to its nature. It often signals adherence to a norm or expectation, whether in social conduct or in the ordering of things—for instance, designating the correct moment or manner for an action ([1], [2]). In some contexts, it underscores a quality of inalienable authenticity, as when distinguishing a unique or inherent quality from the generic, such as in the distinction between a common noun and a proper noun ([3], [4]). Moreover, the word is used to mark correctness in form or function, ranging from proper etiquette and timing ([5], [6]) to even the natural expression of color in heraldry ([7], [8]).
- “Fear not,” said she, “that shalt thou have presently, and shalt lack nothing proper for the fight.”
— from The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights by Sir James Knowles and Sir Thomas Malory - ‘Utanka’, said she, ‘thou hast arrived at the proper time at the proper place.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - These are (strictly speaking) noun-phrases ( § 41 ); but, since all are particular names, they may be regarded as proper nouns.
— from An Advanced English Grammar with Exercises by Frank Edgar Farley and George Lyman Kittredge - A word such as "man" means a whole class of such collections of particulars as have proper names.
— from The Analysis of Mind by Bertrand Russell - A few diamonds, judiciously worn, look well, on proper occasions, on married women.
— from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley - Persons who at other times did not use strong drink thought it quite the proper thing to indulge in it rather freely during the Christmas week.
— from Up from Slavery: An Autobiography by Booker T. Washington - ["On a wreath of the colours, the sun in splendour charged in the centre with an eye all proper"].
— from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies - The arms of Owen, co. Pembroke, are: "Gules, a boar argent, armed, bristled, collared, and chained or to a holly-bush on a mount in base both proper."
— from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies
