HON'EST, adjective on'est. [Latin honestus, from honos, honor.] 1. Upright; just; 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; applied to persons. An honest man's the noblest work of God. An honest physician leaves his patient, when he can contribute no farther to his health. 2. Fair; just; equitable; free from fraud; as an honest transaction; an honest transfer of property. 3. Frank; sincere; unreserved; according to truth; as an honest confession. 4. Sincere; proceeding from pure or just principles, or directed to a good object; as an honest inquiry after truth; an honest endeavor; honest views or motives. 5. Fair; good; unimpeached. Seek seven men of honest report. Acts 6:3. 6. Decent; honorable; or suitable. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17. 7. Chaste; faithful. Wives may be merry, and yet honest too. HON'EST, verb transitive on'est. To adorn; to grace. [Not used.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI