I.the quality of being aequus (syn.: aequalitas, jus, justitia, fas).
I. The uniform relation of one thing to others, equality, conformity, symmetry; portionum aequitate turbatā, Sen. Q. N. 3, 10: commoditas et aequitas (proportion, symmetry) membrorum, Suet. Aug. 79.—
II. Trop.
A. Just or equitable conduct toward others, justice, equity, fairness, ἐπιείκεια (governed by benevolence, while justitia yields to another only what is strictly due): “pro aequitate contra jus dicere,” Cic. de Or. 1, 56, 240: “belli aequitas sanctissime fetiali jure perscripta est,” id. Off. 1, 11, 36: “a verbis recedere et aequitate uti,” id. Caecin. 13; Nep. Arist. 2, 2 Br.; cf. id. Milt. 2, Suet. Claud. 15. But it is sometimes used for justitia: “summa bonitas et aequitas causae,” Cic. Att. 16, 16: “quam habet aequitatem, ut agrum qui nullum habuit, habeat?” id. Off. 2, 22 fin.—Eccl., righteousness,
B. A quiet, tranquil state of mind, evenness of temper, moderation, calmness, tranquillity, repose, equanimity; often with animus: “quis hanc animi maximi aequitatem in ipsā morte laudaret, si? etc.,” Cic. Tusc. 1, 40, 97: “novi moderationem animi tui et aequitatem,” id. de Sen. 1; so id. Agr. 1, 5: “ut animi aequitate plebem contineant,” Caes. B. G 6, 22; so Nep. Thras. 4: “ubi pax evenerat aequitate,” Sall. C. 9, 3.
