Etymology From Middle English honour, honor, honur, from Anglo-Norman honour, honur, from Old French honor, from Latin honor. Displaced Middle English menske (“honor, dignity among men”) (though survived in descendant mense (“property, civility, etc.”)), from Old Norse menskr (“honor”). The verb is from Middle English honouren, honuren (“to honor”).
US Recognition of importance or value; respect; veneration (of someone, usually for being morally upright or successful).
The crowds gave the returning general much honor and praise.
A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Matthew 13:57:
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And when the long-illumined cities flame, / Their ever-loyal iron leader's fame, / With honour, honour, honour, honour to him, / Eternal honour to his name.1852, Alfred Tennyson, “Stanza X”, in Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC, page 14:
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US The state of being morally upright, honest, noble, virtuous, and magnanimous; excellence of character; the perception of such a state; favourable reputation; dignity.
He was a most perfect knight, for he had great honor and chivalry.
His honor was unstained.
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Prothean: Those who share my purpose become allies. Those who do not become casualties. Shepard: Nothing in our fight against the Reapers has been that cut-and-dried. Prothean: Because you still have hope that this war will end with your honor intact. Shepard: I do. Prothean: Stand in the ashes of a trillion dead souls and ask the ghosts if honor matters. Prothean: The silence is your answer.2012, BioWare, Mass Effect 3: From Ashes (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, PC, scene: Normandy SR-2:
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US A token of praise or respect; something that represents praiseworthiness or respect, such as a prize or award given by the state to a citizen.
Honors are normally awarded twice a year: on The Queen's Birthday in June and at the New Year.
He wore an honor on his breast.
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military honors; civil honors
Audie Murphy received many honors, such as the Distinguished Service Cross.
their funeral honours1697, Virgil, “(please specify the book number)”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC:
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US A privilege (which honors the person experiencing it).
Etymology From Middle English honour, honor, honur, from Anglo-Norman honour, honur, from Old French honor, from Latin honor. Displaced Middle English menske (“honor, dignity among men”) (though survived in descendant mense (“property, civility, etc.”)), from Old Norse menskr (“honor”). The verb is from Middle English honouren, honuren (“to honor”).
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US To think of highly, to respect highly; to show respect for; to recognise the importance or spiritual value of.
The freedom fighters will be forever remembered and honored by the people.
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US To conform to, abide by, act in accordance with (an agreement, treaty, promise, request, or the like).
I trusted you, but you have not honored your promise.
Our wishes were honored by changing the date of the wedding.
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Some application software does not honor the theme colors chosen in the operating system settings.
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US To confer (bestow) an honour or privilege upon (someone).
Ten members of the profession were honored at the ceremony.
The prince honored me with an invitation to his birthday banquet.
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US To make payment in respect of (a cheque, banker's draft, etc.).
I'm sorry Sir, but the bank did not honour your cheque.
Etymology From Middle English honour, honor, honur, from Anglo-Norman honour, honur, from Old French honor, from Latin honor. Displaced Middle English menske (“honor, dignity among men”) (though survived in descendant mense (“property, civility, etc.”)), from Old Norse menskr (“honor”). The verb is from Middle English honouren, honuren (“to honor”).
“Not a ha’porth. Different gangs and different ships. He was tried again for prison breaking, and got made a Lifer.” “And was that—Honour!—the only time you worked out, in this part of the country?” “The only time.”1861, Charles Dickens, Great Expectations: