Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PROB'I-TY, n. [L. probitas, from probo, to prove; It. probità; Fr. probité.]

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 do not reach and can not enforce.