amende honorable

American  

[uh-mend on-er-uh-buhl, a-mahn daw-naw-ra-bl^uh] / əˈmɛnd ˈɒn ər ə bəl, a mɑ̃ dɔ nɔˈra blə /

noun

amendes honorables plural

1. a formal apology to a person whose honor has been offended.

---

amende honorable British  

/ amɑ̃d ɔnɔrablə /

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: amende.  a public apology and reparation made to satisfy the honour of the person wronged

---

Etymology

Origin of amende honorable

From French, dating back to 1660–70; see origin at amends, honorable

Example Sentences

In the Dreyfus case, too, she made amende honorable, and today Captain Dreyfus, the martyr of Devils Island, Major Dreyfus, as he is now, is actively working for the salvation of his country.

From The Allied Countries and the Jews by Enelow, Hyman Gerson

He was conducted by a Garde Bourgeoise to his palace at Versailles, and thus concluded an "amende honorable," as no sovereign ever made, and no people ever received.

From The Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to Prose, Vol. IX (of X) - America - I by Lodge, Henry Cabot

I have been called upon several times to make the amende honorable, and I admit that it is not an occasion of much mirth and merriment.

From Cordwood by Nye, Bill

Probably he thought he might now do so with impunity, as he was making the amende honorable.

From Amenities of Literature Consisting of Sketches and Characters of English Literature by Disraeli, Isaac

I can't answer all those questions,” laughed Owen and now his manner changed quite charmingly as he made an amende honorable.

From Possessed by Moffett, Cleveland