Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RE-SPONS'I-BLE, a. [from L. responsus, respondeo.]

1. Liable to account; accountable; answerable; as for a trust reposed, or for a debt. We are all responsible for the talents intrusted to us by our Creator. A guardian is responsible for the faithful discharge of his duty to his ward. The surety is responsible for the debt of his principal.
2. Able to discharge an obligation; or having estate adequate to the payment of a debt. In taking bail, the officer will ascertain whether the proposed surety is a responsible man.