from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Privet \Priv"et\, n. [Cf. Scot. privie, Prov. E. prim-print,
primwort. Prob. for primet, and perh. named from being cut
and trimmed. See, {Prim}, a., and cf. {Prime} to prune,
{Prim}, n., {Prie}, n.] (Bot.)
An ornamental European shrub ({Ligustrum vulgare}), much used
in hedges; -- called also {prim}.
[1913 Webster]
{Egyptian privet}. See {Lawsonia}.
{Evergreen privet}, a plant of the genus {Rhamnus}. See
{Alatern}.
{Mock privet}, any one of several evergreen shrubs of the
genus {Phillyrea}. They are from the Mediterranean region,
and have been much cultivated for hedges and for
fancifully clipped shrubberies.
[1913 Webster]