a. [ OE. rightways, rightwise, AS. rightwīs; riht right + wīs wise, having wisdom, prudent. See Right, a., Wise, a. ] Doing, or according with, that which is right; yielding to all their due; just; equitable; especially, free from wrong, guilt, or sin; holy; as, a righteous man or act; a righteous retribution. [ 1913 Webster ]

Fearless in his righteous cause. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Upright; just; godly; holy; uncorrupt; virtuous; honest; equitable; rightful. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Made righteous. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. [ AS. rightwīslīce. ] In a righteous manner; as, to judge righteously. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ AS. rihtwīsnes. ] 1. The quality or state of being righteous; holiness; purity; uprightness; rectitude. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it chiefly occurs, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A righteous act, or righteous quality. [ 1913 Webster ]

All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Isa. lxiv. 6. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The act or conduct of one who is righteous. [ 1913 Webster ]

Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. Ps. cvi. 3. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Theol.) The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground of justification. [ 1913 Webster ]

There are two kinds of Christian righteousness: the one without us, which we have by imputation; the other in us, which consisteth of faith, hope, and charity, and other Christian virtues. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

Only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone. Westminster Catechism. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Uprightness; holiness; godliness; equity; justice; rightfulness; integrity; honesty; faithfulness. [ 1913 Webster ]