honor system


noun
  1. a system whereby the students at a school, the inmates in a prison, etc., are put on their honor to observe certain rules in order to minimize administrative supervision or to promote honesty.

Origin of honor system

1
An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Words Nearby honor system

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use honor system in a sentence

  • While there have been such cases in the past, the industry operates on an honor system that encourages repeat business.

  • The next day an email was waiting for Gambill from the honor system, alerting her that she may have broken its code.

    Expelled for Speaking Out About Rape? | Nina Strochlic | February 28, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • He showed how the term "honor system" came into use and what it means where that system of examinations is in vogue.

    Elements of Debating | Leverett S. Lyon
  • Why should this tend to make those in the audience believe that the honor system should be adopted?

    Elements of Debating | Leverett S. Lyon
  • As you have already noticed, terms in argumentation, such as "honor system," often consist of more than one word.

    Elements of Debating | Leverett S. Lyon
  • The adoption of the honor system in examinations would be desirable in American colleges.

    Elements of Debating | Leverett S. Lyon
  • The honor system is being tried in many states and, to the surprise of the old expert, is found practicable.

    Within Prison Walls | Thomas Mott Osborne