INDIRECT', a. [L. indirectus; in and directus, from dirigo.] 1. Not straight or rectilinear; deviating from a direct line or course; circuitous. From New York to England by Bordeaux, is an indirect course.2. Not direct; in a moral sense; not tending to a purpose by the shortest or plainest course, or by the obvious, ordinary means, but obliquely or consequentially; by remote means; as an indirect accusation; an indirect attack on reputation; an indirect answer or proposal. Hence,3. Wrong; improper.4. Not fair; not honest; tending to mislead or deceive. Indirect dealing will be discovered one time or other.5. Indirect tax, is a tax or duty on articles of consumption, as an excise, customs, &c.
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