Re*spon"si*ble (r?*sp?n"s?*b'l), a. [Cf. F. responsable. See Respond.]
1.
Liable to respond; likely to be called upon to answer; accountable; answerable; amenable; as, a guardian is responsible to the court for his conduct in the office.
2.
Able to respond or answer for one's conduct and obligations; trustworthy, financially or otherwise; as, to have a responsible man for surety.
3.
Involving responsibility; involving a degree of accountability on the part of the person concerned; as, a responsible office.
Syn. -- Accountable; answerable; amenable.
-- Re*spon"si*ble*ness, n. -- Re*spon"si*bly, adv.
© Webster 1913.