Prob"i*ty (?), n. [F.
probité, fr. L. probitas, fr. probus good,
proper, honest. Cf. Prove.] Tried virtue or integrity;
approved moral excellence; honesty; rectitude; uprightness.
"Probity of mind." Pope.
Syn. -- Probity, Integrity. 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.
