• Above-board

    Pronunciation

    • US IPA: /əˈbÊŒv bɔɹd/

    Alternative forms

    Origin

    above + board. First attested in 1610. Said by Johnson to have been borrowed from gamesters, who, when they change their cards, put their hands under the table.

    Full definition of above-board

    Adjective

    above-board

    1. In open sight; without trick, concealment, or deception. First attested in the late 16th century.
    SOED5|page=7
    1. Fair and aboveboard.

    Adverb

    above-board

    1. Honestly; openly. First attested in the late 16th century.
    © Wiktionary