aequĭtas, ātis, f. [aequus], 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 ,
α of men, Vulg. Deut. 9, 5; ib. Mal. 2, 6.—
β Of God, Vulg. Psa. 9, 9; ib. Act. 17, 31.—
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, 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.