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Webster 1913 Edition
Probity
Prob′i-ty
,Noun.
Tried virtue or integrity; approved moral excellence; honesty; rectitude; uprightness.
“Probity of mind.” Pope.
Probity denotes unimpeachable honesty and virtue, shown especially by the performance of those obligations, called imperfect, which the laws of the state do not reach, and can not enforce. Integrity denotes a whole-hearted honesty, and especially that which excludes all injustice that might favor one’s self. It has a peculiar reference to uprightness in mutual dealings, transfer of property, and the execution of trusts for others.
Webster 1828 Edition
Probity
PROB'ITY
,Noun.
Primarily, tried virtue or integrity, or approved actions; but in general, strict honesty; sincerity; veracity; integrity in principle, or strict conformity of actions to the laws of justice. Probity of mind or principle is best evinced by probity of conduct in social dealings, particularly in adhering to strict integrity in the observance and performance of rights called imperfect, which public laws to not reach and cannot enforce.
Definition 2024
probity
probity
English
Noun
probity (countable and uncountable, plural probities)
- integrity
- 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.
- 1748, David Hume, Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of morals, London: Oxford University Press, 1973, § 1,
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integrity