Etymology

Noun

1. High rank or respect.
   • 1902 CE: Dr. Richard Francis Weymouth, Translation of the New Testament of the Bible

     Book 60, 1 Peter, 002:004 : Come to Him, the ever-living Stone, rejected indeed by men as worthless, but in God's esteem chosen and held in honour.

2. Dignity; reputation as a good person.

   His honour is at stake.

   She swore on her honour.

3. An objectification of praiseworthiness or respect; something that represents praiseworthiness or respect, such as an award given by the state to a citizen.

   Honours are normally awarded twice a year: on The Queen's Birthday in June and at the New Year.

4. A privilege.

   I had the honour of dining with the ambassador.

5. The centre point of the upper half of an armorial escutcheon.
6. In bridge, an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit. In some other games, an ace, king, queen or jack.
7. The right to play one's ball before one's opponent plays his.
8. For honours degree, a university qualification of the highest rank.

   At university I took honours in modern history.

Verb

1. To think of highly, to respect highly.

   The freedom fighters will be forever remembered and honoured by the people.

2. To confer an honour or privilege upon (someone).

   Ten members of the profession were honoured at the ceremony.

   The prince honoured me with an invitation to his birthday banquet.

3. To conform with, obey (e.g. a treaty or promise)

   I trusted you, but you have not honoured your promise.

4. To make payment in respect of (a cheque, banker's draft etc).

   I'm sorry Sir, but the bank did not honour your cheque.