policy1

[pol-uh-see] /ˈpɒl ə si/
noun, plural policies.
1.
a definite course of action adopted for the sake of expediency, facility, etc.:
We have a new company policy.
2.
a course of action adopted and pursued by a government, ruler, political party, etc.:
our nation's foreign policy.
3.
action or procedure conforming to or considered with reference to prudence or expediency:
It was good policy to consent.
4.
sagacity; shrewdness:
Showing great policy, he pitted his enemies against one another.
5.
Rare. government; polity.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English policie government, civil administration < Middle French < Latin polītīa polity
Synonyms
1. strategy, principle, rule. 4. acumen, astuteness, skill, art.
Antonyms
4. ingenuousness, naiveté.

policy2

[pol-uh-see] /ˈpɒl ə si/
noun, plural policies.
1.
a document embodying a contract of insurance.
2.
a method of gambling in which bets are made on numbers to be drawn by lottery.
3.
numbers pool (def 2).
Origin
1555-65; < Middle French police (< Italian polizza < Medieval Latin apodīxa receipt ≪ Greek apódeixis a showing or setting forth; see apodictic, -sis) + -y3
Examples from the web for policy
  • If we had better policy we wouldn't need to deal with cable boxes at all.
  • She likes the new policy.
  • Reports and policy analyses addressing key issues in the debate on climate change.
  • One reason Rome flourished as long as it did was that public policy was determined by signs and portents.
  • But what about your digital gear? Your homeowner's or rental policy offers some protection.
  • We're also sure that if the company is ever caught violating its policy or federal law, it would accept responsibility.
  • The minimum wage will not be the only policy to feel the pinch.
  • Depending on the insurer and policy type, baggage coverage can range from $500 to $2500.
  • The college policy doesn't say anything about that.
  • On foreign policy, he has only sketched the outline.
British Dictionary definitions for policy

policy1

/ˈpɒlɪsɪ/
noun (pl) -cies
1.
a plan of action adopted or pursued by an individual, government, party, business, etc
2.
wisdom, prudence, shrewdness, or sagacity
3.
(Scot) (often pl) the improved grounds surrounding a country house
Word Origin
C14: from Old French policie, from Latin polītīa administration, polity

policy2

/ˈpɒlɪsɪ/
noun (pl) -cies
1.
a document containing a contract of insurance
Word Origin
C16: from Old French police certificate, from Old Italian polizza, from Latin apodixis proof, from Greek apodeixis demonstration, proof
Word Origin and History for policy
n.

"way of management," late 14c., policie, "study or practice of government; good government;" from Old French policie (14c.) "political organization, civil administration," from Late Latin politia "the state, civil administration," from Greek politeia "state, administration, government, citizenship," from polites "citizen," from polis "city, state" (see polis). Meaning "plan of action, way of management" first recorded c.1400.

"written insurance agreement," 1560s, from Middle French police "contract, bill of lading" (late 14c.), from Italian polizza "written evidence of a transaction," from Old Italian poliza, from Medieval Latin apodissa "receipt for money," from Greek apodexis "proof, declaration," from apo- "off" + deiknynia "to show," cognate with Latin dicere "to tell" (see diction).