righteousness

Etymology

From Middle English rightwisnes, from Old English rihtwīsnes (“justice”).

noun

1. (uncountable) The quality or state of being righteous.
2. (uncountable, theology) Holiness; conformity of life to the divine law.
   By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect. 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 4, in A Cuckoo in the Nest
3. (countable) A righteous act, or righteous quality.
4. The act or conduct of one who is righteous.
5. (theology) The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground justification.
   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. 1594-7, Richard Hooker, Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, A Discourse, Section 21
   Only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone. 1646-7, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q.33