Im*prop"er , v. t. To appropriate; to limit. [Obs.]
He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and
not the poor.
Jewel.
Im*prop"er (?), a. [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 original feud, not earned by military service. Mozley & W.
-- Improper fraction. See under Fraction.
Hear it pronounced