Equitable, a.
Etymology: [F. équitable, from équité. See Equity.]
1. Possessing or exhibiting equity; according to natural right or natural justice; marked by a due consideration for what is fair, unbiased, or impartial; just; as an equitable decision; an equitable distribution of an estate; equitable men. No two . . . had exactly the same notion of what was equitable. Macaulay.
2. (Law)
That can be sustained or made available or effective in a court of equity, or upon principles of equity jurisprudence; as, an equitable estate; equitable assets, assignment, mortgage, etc. Abbott.
Syn. -- Just; fair; reasonable; right; honest; impartial; candid; upright.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for equitable; he lists it under honest.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.