DISHONOR

In mercantile law and usage. To refuse or decline to accept a bill of exchange, or to refuse or neglect to pay a bill or note at maturity. A negotiable instrument is dishonored when it is either not paid or not accepted, ac- cording to its tenor, on presentment for that purpose, or without presentment, where that is excused. Civil Code Cal. § 3141.

A term applied to the non-fulfilment of commercial engagements. To dishonor a bill of exchange, or a promis- sory note, is to refuse or neglect to pay it at maturity. The holder is bound to give notice to the parties to such instruments of its dishonor; and his laches will discharge the indorsers. See NOTICE OF DISHONOR.

-See BILL OF EXCHANGE

Lack of honor; disgrace; ignominy; shame; reproach. It was not meet for us to see the king's dishonor. Ezra iv. 14. His honor rooted in dishonor stood. Tennyson. The nonpayment or nonacceptance of commercial paper by the party on whom it is drawn.

To deprive of honor; to disgrace; to bring reproach or shame on; to treat with indignity, or as unworthy in the sight of others; to stain the character of; to lessen the reputation of; as, the duelist dishonors himself to maintain his honor. Nothing . . . that may dishonor Our law, or stain my vow of Nazarite. Milton. To violate the chastity of; to debauch. Dryden. To refuse or decline to accept or pay; -- said of a bill, check, note, or draft which is due or presented; as, to dishonor a bill exchange.

American standard spelling of dishonour.

American standard spelling of dishonour.