equitable - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (original) (raw)

From French équitable, from Old French, from equité (“equity”).

equitable (comparative more equitable, superlative most equitable)

  1. Marked by or having equity.
  2. Fair, just, or impartial.
    • 1748, David Hume, Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral, London: Oxford University Press, published 1973, § 33:
      I may justly require you to produce that argument; nor have you any pretence to refuse so equitable a demand.
    • 1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXIII, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume II, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 254:
      Security can be obtained but by defined rights, and these can be ensured only by equitable laws.
  3. (law) Relating to the general principles of justice that correct or supplement the provisions of the law; relating to equity or courts of equity.
    Coordinate term: legal

marked by or having equity

fair, just, or impartial

equitable m or f (plural equitables)

  1. equitable (fair, just, even, balanced)