ENGLISH
REFERENCE

man of honour

n. countable
C2 Proficiency Slang
Definition

n. a man who can be trusted to always do what is right and keep his promises. It can also refer to a member of a criminal group like the Mafia.

n. an individual who consistently adheres to a strict code of integrity or ethical conduct. In a specific socio-legal context, it also refers to an initiated member of a criminal organization, such as the Mafia, bound by a code of silence.


SIMPLE

He is truly a man of honour who keeps every word.

CONTEXTUAL

The lawyer described his client as a man of honour who would never resort to deception for personal gain.

COMPLEX

In the complex hierarchy of organized crime, being known as a man of honour implies a lifelong commitment to the group's rituals and its uncompromising code of omertà.

Usage

Typically used in formal or highly social registers when referring to integrity, but carries a specialized meaning within organized crime contexts.

© 2026 English Reference