n.
- great respect or esteem.
▸a feeling of pride and pleasure from being shown respect.
▸a source of esteem.
- a clear sense of what is morally right.
- a thing conferred as a distinction.
▸
(honours)
a special distinction for proficiency in an examination.
▸
(honours)
a course of degree studies more specialized than for an ordinary pass.
-
(His, Your, etc. Honour)
a title of respect for a circuit judge, a US mayor, and (in Irish or rustic speech) any person of rank.
- Golf the right of driving off first, having won the previous hole.
- dated a woman's chastity.
- Bridge an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten.
▸
(honours)
possession of at least four of these cards in the trump suit, or of all four aces in no trumps, for which a bonus is scored.
v.
- regard with great respect.
▸pay public respect to.
- bring esteem to (a place or event) with one's presence.
- fulfil (an obligation) or keep (an agreement).
▸accept (a bill) or pay (a cheque) when due.
Phrase
- do the honours
informal perform a social duty for others, especially serve food or drink. - honour bright
Brit. dated on my honour. - honours are even
Brit. there is equality in the contest. - in honour of
as an expression of respect for. - on one's honour
under a moral obligation. - on
(or upon)
my honour
used to express sincerity.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. onor (n.), onorer (v.), from L. honos, honor.