Category:Improper

Im*prop"er, a. Etym: [F. impropre, L. improprius; pref. im- not + proprius proper. See Proper.]

1. Not proper; not suitable; not fitted to the circumstances, design, or end; unfit; not becoming; incongruous; inappropriate; indecent; as, an improper medicine; improper thought, behavior, language, dress. Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service, Improper for a slave. Shak. And to their proper operation still, Ascribe all Good; to their improper, Ill. Pope.

2. Not peculiar or appropriate to individuals; general; common. [Obs.] Not to be adorned with any art but such improper ones as nature is said to bestow, as singing and poetry. J. Fletcher.

3. Not according to facts; inaccurate; erroneous. Improper diphthong. See under Diphthong. -- Improper feud, an originalfeud, not earned by military service. Mozley & W. -- Improper fraction. See under Fraction.

improper Im*prop"er, v. t.

Defn: To appropriate; to limit. [Obs.] He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor. Jewel.