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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of honor system¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

About half of schools chose to use the honor system.

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One, the research oversight system is an honor system.

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Instead of fare gates, the light rail network here uses a modified honor system plus occasional spot-checks by transit workers.

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“Largely, the food supply regulatory system is based on an honor system.”

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If you see the unmanned craft beer bar where customers pay on the honor system, you’ve gone too far.

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