Cleanhandedness

/ˈkliːnˌhændɪdnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality of being honest and ethical; freedom from dishonesty, guilt, or moral wrongdoing.

Etymology

From 'cleanhanded' + the abstract noun suffix '-ness.' The formation of this noun allows the metaphorical concept to be discussed as an abstract virtue.

Kelly Says

Renaissance writers loved this term because it captured something courts desperately needed—'cleanhandedness' became a court virtue they looked for in advisors and ambassadors.

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