fair

fair

fair¹ [fer]

adj.

[ME < OE fæger, akin to FAIN, Goth fagrs, apt, fit < IE base * pek-, to be content, make (something) pretty > Lith púošiu, to ornament]

1. attractive; beautiful; lovely

2. unblemished; clean [a fair name]

3. [< notion that light coloring was desirable] light in color; blond [fair hair]

4. clear and sunny; free from storm or the threat of storm

5. easy to read; clear [a fair hand]

6. just and honest; impartial; unprejudiced; specif., free from discrimination based on race, religion, sex, etc. [fair employment practices, fair housing]

7. according to the rules [a fair blow]

8. likely; promising; advantageous [he is in a fair way to make money]

9. pleasant and courteous

10. favorable; helpful [a fair wind]

11. of moderately good size [a fair fortune]

12. neither very bad nor very good; average [in fair condition]

13. apparently favorable but really false; specious [fair words]

14. Archaic without obstacles; clear and open [a fair road]

15. Baseball of or having to do with the part of the field on or between the foul lines, including home plate

n.

1. Obs. beauty

2. Archaic a woman

3. Archaic something fair, or good

adv.

1. in a fair manner

2. straight; squarely [struck fair in the face]

3. Baseball in or into the part of the field that is on or between the foul lines, including home plate

vi.

Dial. to become clear: said of the weather

vt.

to give a smooth or streamlined surface to

SYN.- BEAUTIFUL

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fair and square

Informal with justice and honesty

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fair to middling

Informal moderately good; passable

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no fair

not according to the rules: often used as an interjection

fairness

n.

SYN.- FAIR¹, the general word, implies the treating of both or all sides alike, without reference to one's own feelings or interests [a fair exchange ]; JUST¹ implies adherence to a standard of rightness or lawfulness without reference to one's own inclinations [a just decision ]; IMPARTIAL and UNBIASED both imply freedom from prejudice for or against any side [an impartial chairman, an unbiased account ]; DISPASSIONATE implies the absence of passion or strong emotion, hence, connotes cool, disinterested judgment [a dispassionate critic ]; OBJECTIVE implies a viewing of persons or things without reference to oneself, one's interests, etc. [an objective newspaper ] -ANT. PREJUDICED, BIASED

fair² [fer]

n.

[ME feire < OFr < ML feria < LL, holiday (in LL(Ec), weekday) < L feriae, pl., festivals < OL fesiae, akin to L festus (see FEAST) < IE base * dhēs-, used in religious terms > Oscan fíísnu, temple, Arm dikʼ, gods]

1. Historical a gathering of people held at regular intervals for barter and sale of goods

2. a festival or carnival where there is entertainment and things are sold, often for charity; bazaar

3.

☆ a) an event consisting of a usually competitive exhibition of livestock, handicrafts, garden produce, etc. plus amusement facilities and educational displays

b) short for WORLD'S FAIR

c) any of various shows or conventions on a particular theme, typically consisting of booths, educational exhibits, vendors, etc.: usually in combination [science fair, book fair]