Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-DI-RECT', a. [L. indirectus; in and directus, from dirigo.]

1. Not straight or rectilinear; deviating from a direct line or course; circuitous. From New York to England by Bordeaux, is an indirect course.
2. Not direct, in a moral sense; not tending to a purpose by the shortest or plainest course, or by the obvious, ordinary means, but obliquely or consequentially; by remote means; as, an indirect accusation; an indirect attack on reputation; an indirect answer or proposal. Hence,
3. Wrong; improper. Shak.
4. Not fair; not honest; tending to mislead or deceive. Indirect dealing wilt be discovered one time or other. Tillotson.
5. Indirect tax, is a tax or duty on articles of consumption, as an excise, customs, &c.