Hōn'est1, a.
(ōn'est), a. [O. Fr. honeste, N. Fr. honnête, Pr. honest, Sp. & Pg. honesto, It. onesto, Lat. honestus, from honos, honor, honor; as if furnished or clothed with honor.]
Sense 1. Decent; honorable, or suitable.
Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Rom. xii. 17.
Sense 2. Fair; good; unimpeached.
Look ye out among you seven men of honest report. Acts vi. 3.
Sense 3. Fair in dealing with others; free from trickishness and fraud; acting, and having the disposition to act, at all times according to justice or correct moral principles; upright; just.
An honest man's the noblest work of God. Pope.
An honest physician leaves his patient when he can contribute no farther to his health. Sir Wm. Temple.
Sense 4. Free from fraud; fair; just; equitable; as, an honest transaction; an honest transfer of property.
Sense 5. Frank; sincere; unreserved; according to truth; as, an honest confession.
Sense 6. Proceeding from pure or just principles, or directed to a good object; sincere; as, an honest inquiry after truth; an honest endeavor; honest views or motives.
Sense 7. Chaste; faithful; virtuous.
Wives may be merry, and yet honest too. Shak.
A man who marries his concubine is still said to make an honest woman of her. Smart.
Synonyms—Upright; trusty; faithful; equitable; just; rightful; sincere; frank; candid.