[righ.teous] adj [alter. of earlier rightuous, alter. of ME rightwise, rightwos, fr. OE rihtwis, fr. riht, n., right + wis wise] (1535) 1: acting in accord with divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin
2. a: morally right or justifiable "a ~ decision" b: arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality "~ indignation" 3 slang: genuine, good syn see moral -- righ.teous.ly adv -- righ.teous.ness n