honoris causa

[ oh-noh-ris kou-sah; English o-nawr-is kaw-zuh, o-nohr- ]

Latin.
  1. as a sign of respect (usually describing an honorary college or university degree).

Origin of honoris causa

1
Literally, “for the sake of honor”

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

How to use honoris causa in a sentence

  • In 1849 the University of Dublin conferred upon him the degree of M.D., honoris causa.

    Makers of Modern Medicine | James J. Walsh
  • The university which can claim him on its list of sons, whether in regular course or honoris causa, may be proud.

    Up From Slavery: An Autobiography | Booker T. Washington
  • He had been hoisted up to that serene height by no means honoris causa, but aetatis causa.

    Acton's Feud | Frederick Swainson

British Dictionary definitions for honoris causa

honoris causa

/ Latin (hɒˈnɔːrɪs ˈkaʊzɑː) /


  1. for the sake of honour

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012