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Webster 1913 Edition

Respectable

Re-spect′a-ble

(-[GREEK]-b’l)
,
Adj.
[F.
respectable
, LL.
respectabilis
.]
1.
Worthy of respect; fitted to awaken esteem; deserving regard; hence, of good repute; not mean;
as, a
respectable
citizen
.
“The respectable quarter of Sicca.”
J. H. Newman.
No government, any more than an individual, will long be respected, without being truly
respectable
.
Madison.
2.
Moderate in degree of excellence or in number;
as, a
respectable
performance; a
respectable
audience
.
–
Re-spect′a-ble-ness
,
Noun.
–
Re-spect′a-bly
,
adv.

Webster 1828 Edition

Respectable

RESPECT'ABLE

,
Adj.
1.
Possessing the worth or qualities which deserve or command respect; worth of esteem and honor; as a respectable citizen; respectable company.
No government, any more than an individual, will long be respected, without being truly respectable.
2.
In popular language, this word is much used to express what is moderate in degree of excellence on in number, but not despicable. We say, a respectable discourse or performance, a respectable audience, a respectable number of citizens convened.

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