Honesty

views updated Jun 11 2018

333. Honesty (See also Righteousness, Virtuousness.)

  1. Alethia ancient Greek personification of truth. [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 18]
  2. Better Business Bureau nationwide system of organizations investigating dishonest business practices. [Am. Commerce: Misc.]
  3. bittersweet traditional symbol of truth. [Plant Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 172]
  4. Boffin, Nickodemus despite personal loss, endows patrons son. [Br. Lit.: Our Mutual Friend ]
  5. Bunker, Edith her uprightness frequently conflicts with Archies opportunism. [TV: All in the Family in Terrace, I, 4748]
  6. cherry tree young George Washingtons admission of chopping it down was proof of his honesty. [Am. Legend: Misc.]
  7. chrysanthemum symbol of truth. [Flower Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 173; Kunz, 330]
  8. Cordelia though it costs her an inheritance, she refuses to say that she could love her father exclusively. [Br. Drama: Shakespeare King Lear ]
  9. Cranmer, Thomas a meek, patient, honest churchman. [Br. Lit.: Henry VIII ]
  10. Diogenes (c. 412323 B.C.) philosopher; fabled lantern-carrying searcher for an honest man. [Gk. Hist.: Hall, 104]
  11. Edgar truthful, straightforward character; does no evil. [Br. Lit.: King Lear ]
  12. John of Gaunt overly blunt uncle of Richard II. [Br. Lit.: Richard II ]
  13. Lenox, John his straight-forward dealings win Harums approval. [Am. Lit.: David Harum ]
  14. Lincoln, Abraham (18091865) 16th U.S. president; nicknamed Honest Abe. [Am. Hist.: Kane, 525]
  15. Melantius honest soldier; trusts everyone until shown other-wise. [Br. Lit.: The Maids Tragedy ]
  16. open book signified spreading of truth by text and doctrine. [Christian Symbolism: Appleton, 13]
  17. Pure, Simon character in Centlire play (1718). [Br. Lit.: Bold Stroke for a Wife ]
  18. Trelawney, Squire sincere, genuine ship-owner; benevolent authority. [Br. Lit.: Treasure Island ]
  19. Truman, Harry (18841972) 33rd U.S. president who, despite much controversy over his policies, is remembered for impeccable honesty and plain speaking. [Am. Hist.: NCE, 2793]
  20. truth serum drug inducing one to speak uninhibitedly. [Science: Brewer Dictionary, 1105]
  21. Una personification of honesty; leads lamb and rides white ass. [Br. Lit.: Faerie Queene ]
  22. Washington, George (17321799) first U.S. president; reputed to have said, Father, I cannot tell a lie. [Am. Hist.: NCE, 2933]
  23. white chrysanthemum traditional symbol of truth. [Flower Symbolism: Jobes, 333]

honesty

views updated May 21 2018

hon·es·ty / ˈänistē/ • n. 1. the quality of being honest. 2. a European plant (genus Lunaria) of the cabbage family, with purple or white flowers and round, flat, translucent seedpods that are used for indoor flower arrangements. Also called money plant.