Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HON'ES-TY, n. [on'esty; Fr. honnêteté; L. honestas.]

1. In principle, an upright disposition; moral rectitude of heart; a disposition to conform to justice and correct moral principles, in all social transactions. In fact, upright conduct; an actual conformity to justice and moral rectitude.
2. Fairness; candor; truth; as, the honesty of a narrative. Wardlaw.
3. Frank sincerity. Shak. Honesty is chiefly applicable to social transactions, or mutual dealings in the exchange of property.