ethic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the principles of right and wrong that are accepted by an individual or a social group
    value-system; value orientation; moral principle.
    • the Puritan ethic
    • a person with old-fashioned values
  2. noun a system of principles governing morality and acceptable conduct
    ethical code.

WordNet

Eth"ic, Eth"ic*al adjective (Also<
  • Ethic
  • Ethical
)
Etymology
L. ethicus, Gr. , fr. custom, usage, character, dwelling; akin to custom, Goth. sidus, G. sitte, Skr. svadh, prob. orig., one's own doing; sva self + dh to set: cf. F. éthique. See So, Do.
Definitions
  1. Of, or belonging to, morals; treating of the moral feelings or duties; containing percepts of morality; moral; as, ethic discourses or epistles; an ethical system; ethical philosophy.
    The ethical meaning of the miracles. Trench.

Webster 1913