Fi*del"i*ty (?), n. [L.
fidelitas: cf. F. fidélité. See
Fealty.] Faithfulness; adherence to right; careful and
exact observance of duty, or discharge of obligations.
Especially: (a) Adherence to a person or party
to which one is bound; loyalty.
Whose courageous fidelity was proof to all
danger.
Macaulay.
The best security for the fidelity of men is to
make interest coincide with duty.
A.
Hamilton.
(b) Adherence to the marriage contract.
(c) Adherence to truth; veracity;
honesty.
The principal thing required in a witness is
fidelity.
Hooker.
Syn. -- Faithfulness; honesty; integrity; faith; loyalty;
fealty.