n. [ L. fidelitas: cf. F. fidélité. See Fealty. ] Faithfulness; adherence to right; careful and exact observance of duty, or discharge of obligations. Especially: (a) Adherence to a person or party to which one is bound; loyalty. [ 1913 Webster ] Whose courageous fidelity was proof to all danger. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] The best security for the fidelity of men is to make interest coincide with duty. A. Hamilton. (b) Adherence to the marriage contract. (c) Adherence to truth; veracity; honesty. [ 1913 Webster ] The principal thing required in a witness is fidelity. Hooker. Syn. -- Faithfulness; honesty; integrity; faith; loyalty; fealty. [ 1913 Webster ] |