Search results for 'fair':

fair¹ adj (fairer, fairest) 1 just; not using dishonest methods or discrimination. 2 in accordance with the rules. 3 a said of hair and skin: light-coloured; b said of someone: having light-coloured hair and skin. 4 old use beautiful. 5 quite good; reasonable. 6 sizeable; considerable. 7 said of weather: fine. 8 said of the wind: favourable. 9 said of words: insincerely encouraging. adverb 1 in a fair way. 2 dialect completely. fairness noun. be fair game to deserve to be attacked or criticized. by fair means or foul using any possible means, even if dishonest. fair-and-square 1 absolutely; exactly. 2 honest and open. fair crack at the whip just treatment. fair enough all right. in all fairness or to be fair one ought to remember or take into consideration, if one is fair; being scrupulously fair. stand fair with someone to be in favour with them.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon fæger beautiful.

fair² and (nostalgic) fayre noun (fairs or fayres) 1 a collection of sideshows and amusements, often set up temporarily on open ground and travelling from place to place. 2 historical a market for the sale of produce, livestock, etc, with or without sideshows. 3 (only fair) an indoor exhibition of goods from different countries, firms, etc, held to promote trade. 4 a sale of goods to raise money for charity, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: from French feire, from Latin feria holiday.