adj., adv., n., & v.
adj. 1 just, unbiased, equitable; in accordance with the rules. 2 blond; light or pale in colour or complexion. 3 a of (only) moderate quality or amount; average. b considerable, satisfactory (a fair chance of success). 4 (of weather) fine and dry; (of the wind) favourable. 5 clean, clear, unblemished (fair copy). 6 beautiful, attractive. 7 archaic kind, gentle. 8 a specious (fair speeches). b complimentary (fair words). 9 Austral. & NZ complete, unquestionable.
adv. 1 in a fair manner (play fair). 2 exactly, completely (was hit fair on the jaw).
n. 1 a fair thing. 2 archaic a beautiful woman.
v. 1 tr. make (the surface of a ship, aircraft, etc.) smooth and streamlined. 2 intr. dial. (of the weather) become fair. fair and square adv. & adj. 1 exactly. 2 straightforward, honest, above-board. fair crack of the whip see CRACK. a fair deal equitable treatment. fair dos colloq. fair shares. fair enough colloq. that is reasonable or acceptable. fair game a thing or person one may legitimately pursue, exploit, etc. fair-minded just, impartial. fair-mindedly justly, impartially. fair-mindedness a sense of justice; impartiality. fair name a good reputation. fair play reasonable treatment or behaviour. fair rent the amount of rent which a tenant may reasonably be expected to pay according to established guidelines. the fair sex women. fair's fair colloq. all involved should act fairly. fair-spoken courteous. a fair treat colloq. a very enjoyable or attractive thing or person. fair-weather friend a friend or ally who is unreliable in times of difficulty. for fair US sl. completely. in a fair way to likely to. fairish adj. fairness n.
[ OE fger f. Gmc ]