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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
fairish adj. fairness n.
Etymology: OE faeligger f. Gmc
2.
n.
1 a gathering of stalls, amusements, etc., for public (usu. outdoor) entertainment.
2 a periodical gathering for the sale of goods, often with entertainments.
3 an exhibition, esp. to promote particular products.
Etymology: ME f. OF feire f. LL feria sing. f. L feriae holiday
Useful english dictionary. 2012.