# man of honour

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/man-of-honour
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He is truly a man of honour who keeps every word.
- The lawyer described his client as a man of honour who would never resort to deception for personal gain.
- 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 notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.