/eth"ik/ , n.
1. the body of moral principles or values governing or distinctive of a particular culture or group: the Christian ethic; the tribal ethic of the Zuni.
2. a complex of moral precepts held or rules of conduct followed by an individual: a personal ethic.
[ 1350-1400; ME ethic, etic ethicus ethikós, equiv. to êth ( os ) ETHOS + -ikos -IC ]