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.