noun
( -es )
Etymology: alteration of earlier rightwiseness, from Middle English rightwisenes, from Old English rihtwīsnes, from rihtwīs + -nes -ness
1. : the quality or state of being righteous : conformity to the divine or the moral law : rectitude , uprightness
walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days — Book of Com. Prayer
belief that righteousness lies on the side of … property — H.L.Matthews
2. obsolete : a righteous act, deed, or quality : righteous conduct
all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags — Isa 64 : 6 (Authorized Version)
3. : the quality or state of being rightful or just
the righteousness of one's claim
4. : the state of acceptance with God : a right relationship to God : justification