(prīd) noun
1. An undue sense of one's own superiority; inordinate self–esteem; arrogance or superciliousness; conceit.
2. A proper sense of personal dignity and worth; honorable self–respect.
3. That of which one is justly proud; a cause of exultation.
4. The acme of excellence.
5. Consciousness of youth or power; high spirits; mettle.
6. Obs. Sexual desire.
7. Archaic Ostentatious splendor; display.
8. A group or company: said only of lions.
—v.t. prid·ed, prid·ing To take pride in (oneself) for something: with on or upon. [OE prte <prūt proud] Synonyms (noun): conceit, ostentation, self–complacency, self–conceit, self–esteem, self–exaltation, self–respect, vainglory, vanity. Conceit and vanity are associated with weakness, pride with strength. Conceit may be founded upon nothing, pride is founded upon something that one is, or has, or has done; vanity, too, is commonly founded on something real, but far slighter than would afford foundation for pride. Vanity is eager for admiration and praise and seeks them; pride could never solicit admiration or praise. Conceit is stronger than self–conceit. Self–conceit is ridiculous; conceit is offensive. Self–respect is a thoroughly worthy feeling; self–esteem is a more generous estimate of one's own character and abilities than the rest of the world is ready to allow. Vainglory is more pompous and boastful than vanity. Compare synonyms for ARROGANCE, EGOTISM, OSTENTATION, RESERVE. Antonyms: humility, lowliness, meekness, modesty, self–abasement.

(prīd), Thomas,
died 1658, English general; one of the judges who condemned Charles I.