INDIRECT', adjective [Latin 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, etc.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI