probity

From Middle French probité, from Latin probitas (“uprightness, honesty”), from probus (“good, excellent, honest”); see probe, prove.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈpɹəʊbɪti/

probity (countable and uncountable, plural probities)

1. Integrity, especially of the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
   • 1748, David Hume, Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of morals, London: Oxford University Press, 1973, § 1,

     … they can but bend our hearts to the love of probity and true honour, …

   • 1819, Washington Irving, The Sketch Book, English Writers on America:

     … when either the interest or reputation of their own country comes into collision with that of another, they … forget their usual probity and candour in the indulgence of splenetic remark, and an illiberal spirit of ridicule.

• decency, goodness, godliness, honesty, honor, saintliness, uprightness, virtue, righteousness

• wickedness

• probe, prove

• probity in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• probity in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.