[eth.ic] n [ME ethik, fr. MF ethique, fr. L ethice, fr. Gk ethike, fr. ethikos] (14c) 1 pl but sing or pl in constr: the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation
2. a: a set of moral principles or values b: a theory or system of moral values "the present-day materialistic ~" c pl but sing or pl in constr: the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group "professional ~s" d: a guiding philosophy