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.

Origin of honor system

1
An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use honor system in a sentence

  • The adoption of the honor system in examinations would be desirable in American colleges.

    Elements of Debating | Leverett S. Lyon
  • The honor system is being tried in many states and, to the surprise of the old expert, is found practicable.

    Within Prison Walls | Thomas Mott Osborne