honesty (redirected from honestness)

honesty

a purple-flowered SE European plant, Lunaria annua, cultivated for its flattened silvery pods, which are used for indoor decoration: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

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Honesty

See also Righteousness, Virtuousness.

Alethia

ancient Greek personification of truth. [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 18]

Better Business Bureau

nationwide system of organizations investigating dishonest business practices. [Am. Commerce: Misc.]

bittersweet

traditional symbol of truth. [Plant Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 172]

Boffin, Nickodemus

despite personal loss, endows patron’s son. [Br. Lit.: Our Mutual Friend]

Bunker, Edith

her uprightness frequently conflicts with Archie’s opportunism. [TV: “All in the Family” in Terrace, I, 47–48]

cherry tree

young George Washington’s admission of chopping it down was proof of his honesty. [Am. Legend: Misc.]

chrysanthemum

symbol of truth. [Flower Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 173; Kunz, 330]

Cordelia

though it costs her an inheritance, she refuses to say that she could love her father exclusively. [Br. Drama: Shakespeare King Lear]

Cranmer, Thomas

a meek, patient, honest churchman. [Br. Lit.: Henry VIII]

Diogenes

(c. 412–323 B.C.) philosopher; fabled lantern-carrying searcher for an honest man. [Gk. Hist.: Hall, 104]

Edgar

truthful, straightforward character; does no evil. [Br. Lit.: King Lear]

John of Gaunt

overly blunt uncle of Richard II. [Br. Lit.: Richard II]

Lenox, John

his straight-forward dealings win Harum’s approval. [Am. Lit.: David Harum]

Lincoln, Abraham

(1809–1865) 16th U.S. president; nicknamed “Honest Abe.” [Am. Hist.: Kane, 525]

Melantius

honest soldier; trusts everyone until shown other-wise. [Br. Lit.: The Maid’s Tragedy]

open book

signified spreading of truth by text and doctrine. [Christian Symbolism: Appleton, 13]

Pure, Simon

character in Centlire play (1718). [Br. Lit.: Bold Stroke for a Wife]

Trelawney, Squire

sincere, genuine ship-owner; benevolent authority. [Br. Lit.: Treasure Island]

Truman, Harry

(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]

truth serum

drug inducing one to speak uninhibitedly. [Science: Brewer Dictionary, 1105]

Una

personification of honesty; leads lamb and rides white ass. [Br. Lit.: Faerie Queene]

Washington, George

(1732–1799) first U.S. president; reputed to have said, “Father, I cannot tell a lie.” [Am. Hist.: NCE, 2933]

white chrysanthemum

traditional symbol of truth. [Flower Symbolism: Jobes, 333]