1. noun A toilet, usually one that is outdoors (an outhouse). My uncle's house was built in the 1800s, so if you want to go to the bathroom, you have to use the privy out back.

2. verb Knowledgeable about something; made aware of something, especially a secret or private piece of information. Followed by "to" in this usage. I really don't like being privy to things I can't talk about with others—I'd prefer to just not know anything about it at all. I just wish you would make me privy to this kind of information before we head into a meeting with the heads of the entire corporation.