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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HONESTY, n. Sc. usages:

1. Kindness, courtesy, liberality. Obs. in Eng. since 1607.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
It is commonly said by one who has received a favour or gift from another; I'll hide nae man's honesty.

2. Decency, decorum, that which is seemly or creditable (Ib.); a mark of respectability, one's best (Sc. 1787 J. Elphinston Propriety II. 126; Abd., Per., Rnf. 1957), esp. in phr. as or for an honesty. Obs. in Eng. since mid 17th c.Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 148:
Honesty is no Pride. Spoken to them that go too careless in their Dress; intimating that it is no sign of Pride to go decently.Ayr. c.1827 Galt Howdie (1923) 15:
I had helped into the world the son and heir of an ancient family, for the which I got . . . a new gown that is still my best honesty.Ayr. 1835 Galt Rich Man (1925) 113:
I mind that the left knee of a new pair of black breeks, that I had put on for an honesty that day, was torn.Lth. 1856 M. Oliphant Lilliesleaf xxviii.:
I gave Lilly an advice myself to put it by in her drawers for an honesty, and let them see that came after her, what it was to be respectit, and have good friends.Fif. 1887 S. Tytler Logie Town I. xxi.:
The minister, the doctor, and maybe the Shirra as an “honesty” at the party.Abd.¹ 1931:
That twa bonny kye is jist an honesty aboot the place.Abd. 1954 Banffshire Jnl. (26 Jan.):
Weel, I'se warren she'd keepit it for an honesty a gey fyle, bit she wore't a lot afore she deet.

3. Specif. Food left by a guest on a plate as a conventional sign of good manners (Sc. 1787 J. Elphinston Propriety II. 126). Cf. Fr. le morceau honteux.