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.]