Webster's English Dictionary

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fidelity

fi.del.i.ty \f*-'del-*t-e-, fi--\ n [ME fidelite, fr. MF fidelite`, fr. L 
   fidelitat-, fidelit]as, fr. fidelis faithful, fr. fides faith - more at 
   BIDE 1a: the quality or state of being faithful  1b: accuracy in details : 
   EXACTNESS  2: the degree to which an electronic device (as a radio or 
   phonograph) accu rately reproduces its effect (as sound)ETY: FIDELITY 
   implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or 
   duty; ALLEGIANCE suggests an adherence like that of a medieval vassal to 
   his lord or of a citizen to his country; FEALTY implies a fidelity 
   acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow; LOYALTY 
   implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to 
   renounce, desert, or betray; DEVOTION stresses zeal and service amounting 
   to self-dedication; PIETY stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as 
   natural and fundamental and the observance of duties required by such 
   fidelity SYN syn ALLEGIANCE, FEALTY, LOYALTY, DEVOTION, PI