from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Respectable \Re*spect"a*ble\ (-?-b'l), a. [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.
[1913 Webster]
No government, any more than an individual, will
long be respected, without being truly respectable.
--Madison.
[1913 Webster]
2. Moderate in degree of excellence or in number; as, a
respectable performance; a respectable audience.
[1913 Webster] --{Re*spect"a*ble*ness},n. --
{Re*spect"a*bly}, adv.
[1913 Webster]