ˈrektəˌtüd, -ə.ˌtyüd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin rectitudin-, rectitudo, from Latin rectus straight, right + -i- + -tudin-, -tudo -tude — more at right
1.
a. : the quality or state of being straight : straightness
the young pines bent by the snow … regain their natural rectitude — Van Wyck Brooks
b. : a straight line
2. : strict observance of standards of integrity and honesty : adherence to a high moral code : intrepid virtue : righteousness
the absolute truth of his speech and the rectitude of his behavior — R.W.Emerson
3. : correctness of judgment or procedure especially in the field of intellectual or artistic activity
was … convinced of the rectitude of his musical ideas — Charles O'Connell