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policy1
/pol"euh see/, n., pl. policies.1. a definite course of action adopted for the sake of expediency, facility, etc.: We have a new company policy.2. a course of action adopted and pursued by a government, ruler, political party, etc.: our nation's foreign policy.3. action or procedure conforming to or considered with reference to prudence or expediency: It was good policy to consent.4. sagacity; shrewdness: Showing great policy, he pitted his enemies against one another.5. Rare. government; polity.[1350-1400; ME policie government, civil administration < MF < L politia POLITY]policy2/pol"euh see/, n., pl. policies.1. a document embodying a contract of insurance.2. a method of gambling in which bets are made on numbers to be drawn by lottery.[1555-65; < MF police ( < It polizza < ML apodixa receipt Gk apódeixis a showing or setting forth; see APODICTIC, -SIS) + -Y3]
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▪ lotteryform of lottery in which pellets usually numbered 1 to 78 are deposited in a drum-shaped wheel and players wager that certain numbers will appear among the pellets—usually 12 pellets—that are selected at the drawing.Policy, a true lottery initiated in the United States by Italian-Americans, derives its name from the Italian polizza (“receipt,” or “ticket”) and retains only occasional and local popularity. It has been substantially replaced by the numbers game (q.v.).* * *
Universalium. 2010.