noun
privy
A toilet in a small separate building.
A narrow path leads from the cabin to the privy.
Etymology
The older adjective means private. A toilet was called a privy because it was a place set apart for a private bodily function.
More examples
- The campground has two wooden privies but no running water.
- Bring a flashlight if you need the privy after dark.
- We use the privy behind the farmhouse.
Forms
privy · privies
Similar words
- outhouse
- Outhouse specifically names the small building containing the toilet.
- latrine
- Latrine often suggests a basic toilet shared at camps.