prude Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum
    puritan.

WordNet

Prude noun
Etymology
F., prudish, originally, discreet, modest; shortened from OF. prudefeme, preudefeme, a discreet or excellent woman; OF. preu, prou, excellent, brave + de of + fete woman. See Prow, a., Prowess.
Definitions
  1. A woman of affected modesty, reserve, or coyness; one who is overscrupulous or sensitive; one who affects extraordinary prudence in conduct and speech.
    Less modest than the speech of prudes. Swift.

Webster 1913