ethic

Etymology 1

From Middle English etik, from Late Latin ēthicus, from Ancient Greek ἠθῐκός (ēthikós).

adj

1. Moral, relating to morals.

Etymology 2

From Middle English etik, ethik, from Old French ethique, from Late Latin ēthica, from Ancient Greek ἠθική (ēthikḗ), from ἠθικός (ēthikós, “of or for morals, moral, expressing character”), from ἦθος (êthos, “character, moral nature”).

noun

1. A set of principles of right and wrong behaviour guiding, or representative of, a specific culture, society, group, or individual.
   The Protestant work ethic.
   I think the golden rule is a great ethic.
2. The morality of an action.