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The meaning and origin of the expression: Fair and square

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Fair and square

Meaning

Honest and straightforward, especially of business dealings.

Origin

In the 16th century 'square' meant 'fair and honest' so 'fair and square' is tautological.

George Puttenham used that meaning of square in The arte of English poesie, 1589:

"[Aristotle] termeth a constant minded man - a square man."

Francis Bacon's essay Of Prophecies, 1604 is the first known use of 'fair and square':

"Faire, and square. The gamester calls fooles holy-day."

See also: the last words of Sir Francis Bacon.

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