Webster's English Dictionary

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equity

eq.ui.ty \'ek-w*t-e-\ n [ME equite, fr. MF equite`, fr. L aequitat-, 
   aequitas,] fr. aequus equal, fair 1a: justice according to natural law or 
   right; specif : IMPARTIA LITY 1b: something that is equitable  2a: a system 
   of law originating in the English chancery and comprising a se ttled and 
   formal body of legal and procedural rules and doctrines that supplement, 
   aid, or override common and statute law and are designed to protect rights 
   and enforce duties fixed by substantive law 2b: trial or remedial justice 
   under or by the rules and doctrines of equity  2c: a body of legal 
   doctrines and rules developed to enlarge, supplement, o r override a narrow 
   rigid system of law 3a: a right, claim, or interest existing or valid in 
   equity  3b: the money value of a property or of an interest in a property 
   in excess  of claims or liens against it 3c: a risk interest or ownership 
   right in property