Morality (9)
'morality' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for ethic that I've seen before include "Moral system" , "set of morals" , "Moral principle" , "Set of moral principles" , "System of rules of behaviour" .)
(Other definitions for principle that I've seen before include "Tenet" , "Law of nature, rule of conduct" , "Rule of personal conduct" , "Precept, rule" , "Basic truth, law or assumption" .)
'morality' is the definition.
(I know that rectitude is a type of righteousness)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for rectitude that I've seen before include "Certitude about moral goodness" , "Uprightness, integrity" , "Strict propriety" , "Correctness" , "Moral integrity" .)