1811. Lexicon Balatronicum, s.v.
1825. Scott, St. Ronan’s Well, ch. xxv. My right honourable father nourished some thoughts of making an honest woman of Marie de Martigny, and a legitimate elder brother of Francis.
1827. Egan, Anecdotes of the Turf, p. 182. She had now only to play her cards well, she was sure of winning the game, also of becoming an honest woman.
As honest a man as when kings are out, phr. (old).—Knavish.
Honest as the skin between the brows (or Horns), phr. (old).—As honest as may be.
1551. W. Still, Gammer Gurton’s Needle, (O.P.), ii., 67. I am as true, I wold thou knew, as skin betwene thy brows.
1599. Jonson, Every Man out of his Humour, ii., 2. Punt. Is he magnanimous? Gent. As the skin between your brows, sir.
1600. Shakspeare, Much Ado, iii., 5. An old man, sir, and his wits are not so blunt, as, God help, I would desire they were, but in faith, honest, as the skin between his brows.
1614. Jonson, Bartholomew Fair, iv., 5. It shall be justified to thy husband’s faish, now: tou shalt be as honesht as the skin between his hornsh, la.
Honest Injun! phr. (American).—A pledge of sincerity; honour bright (q.v.).