honesty
a purple-flowered SE European plant, Lunaria annua, cultivated for its flattened silvery pods, which are used for indoor decoration: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)
Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
Honesty
Alethiaancient Greek personification of truth. [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 18]
nationwide system of organizations investigating dishonest business practices. [Am. Commerce: Misc.]
traditional symbol of truth. [Plant Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 172]
despite personal loss, endows patron’s son. [Br. Lit.: Our Mutual Friend]
her uprightness frequently conflicts with Archie’s opportunism. [TV: “All in the Family” in Terrace, I, 47–48]
young George Washington’s admission of chopping it down was proof of his honesty. [Am. Legend: Misc.]
symbol of truth. [Flower Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 173; Kunz, 330]
though it costs her an inheritance, she refuses to say that she could love her father exclusively. [Br. Drama: Shakespeare King Lear]
a meek, patient, honest churchman. [Br. Lit.: Henry VIII]
(c. 412–323 B.C.) philosopher; fabled lantern-carrying searcher for an honest man. [Gk. Hist.: Hall, 104]
truthful, straightforward character; does no evil. [Br. Lit.: King Lear]
overly blunt uncle of Richard II. [Br. Lit.: Richard II]
his straight-forward dealings win Harum’s approval. [Am. Lit.: David Harum]
(1809–1865) 16th U.S. president; nicknamed “Honest Abe.” [Am. Hist.: Kane, 525]
honest soldier; trusts everyone until shown other-wise. [Br. Lit.: The Maid’s Tragedy]
signified spreading of truth by text and doctrine. [Christian Symbolism: Appleton, 13]
character in Centlire play (1718). [Br. Lit.: Bold Stroke for a Wife]
sincere, genuine ship-owner; benevolent authority. [Br. Lit.: Treasure Island]
(1884–1972) 33rd U.S. president who, despite much controversy over his policies, is remembered for impeccable honesty and plain speaking. [Am. Hist.: NCE, 2793]
drug inducing one to speak uninhibitedly. [Science: Brewer Dictionary, 1105]
personification of honesty; leads lamb and rides white ass. [Br. Lit.: Faerie Queene]
(1732–1799) first U.S. president; reputed to have said, “Father, I cannot tell a lie.” [Am. Hist.: NCE, 2933]
traditional symbol of truth. [Flower Symbolism: Jobes, 333]
Allusions—Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.