Honesty \Hon"es*ty\, n. [OE. honeste, oneste, honor, OF.
honest['e], onest['e] (cf. F. honn[^e]tet['e]), L. honestas.
See Honest, a.]
1. Honor; honorableness; dignity; propriety; suitableness;
decency. [Obs.]
--Chaucer.
She derives her honesty and achieves her goodness.
--Shak.
2. The quality or state of being honest; probity; fairness
and straightforwardness of conduct, speech, etc.;
integrity; sincerity; truthfulness; freedom from fraud or
guile.
That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty. --1 Tim. ii.
2.
3. Chastity; modesty. --Chaucer.
To lay . . . siege to the honesty of this Ford's
wife. --Shak.
4. (Bot.) Satin flower; the name of two cruciferous herbs
having large flat pods, the round shining partitions of
which are more beautiful than the blossom; -- called also
lunary and moonwort. Lunaria biennis is common
honesty; L. rediva is perennial honesty.
Syn: Integrity; probity; uprightness; trustiness;
faithfulness; honor; justice; equity; fairness; candor;
plain-dealing; veracity; sincerity.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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