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Examples
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That object of so much empty mouth-honour, the English classic of the last and earlier centuries, presents himself for classification under three distinct categories.
Sterne Traill, H D 1882
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The Highest in rank, at length, without honour from the Lowest; scarcely, with a little mouth-honour, as from tavern-waiters who expect to put it in the bill.
Sartor Resartus, and On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History Thomas Carlyle 1838
bilby commented on the word mouth-honour
"And that which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have, but in their stead
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath
Which the poor heart would fain deny and dare not."
- 'Macbeth', William Shakespeare.
December 16, 2007