Definition of "rectitude"

rectitude

/ˈɹɛk.tɪ.tjuːd/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural rectitudes
1. Straightness; the state or quality of having a constant direction and not being crooked or bent.
2. (now rare) The fact or quality of being right or correct; correctness of opinion or judgement.
  Quotations
  A consciousness of rectitude can be a terrible thing, and in those days I didn't just think that I was right: I thought that “we” (our group of International Socialists in particular) were being damn well proved right.
  2010, Christopher Hitchens, Hitch-22, Atlantic, published 2011, page 98
3. Conformity to the rules prescribed for moral conduct; (moral) uprightness, virtue.
  Quotations
  We, therefore, the Repreſentatives of the united States of America, in General Congreſs, Aſsembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of theſe Colonies, ſolemnly publiſh and declare, That theſe United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States […]
  1776 July 4, Thomas Jefferson et al., United States Declaration of Independence
  “Sit with her all night if we have to,” Syd affirms with strenuous rectitude.
  1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy

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