Literary notes about repute (AI summary)
In literature, repute is used to convey a sense of standing or honor that can affirm noble character or highlight discredit. Authors invoke phrases like "in high repute" to mark distinguished qualities, as with Sir Mulberry Hawk’s celebrated exploits [1] or a respected appointment [2]. Yet the word can equally denote a tarnished or dubious status, as when a tavern or person might be labeled "of low repute" [3] or when ill repute overshadows honor [4]. It can also extend to institutions, myths, or practices—ranging from a fish celebrated in regional lore [5] to the legacy of scholars and soldiers [6, 7]. In each case, repute enriches the textual portrayal of character and value, reminding readers that reputation is both a prized and precarious asset.
- Sir Mulberry Hawk lived abroad for some years, courted and caressed, and in high repute as a fine dashing fellow.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - My Lord Sandwich is lately come with the Queen from sea, very well and in good repute.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - These were two ordinaries or public houses of low repute, especially famous for their pies.
— from The Devil is an Ass by Ben Jonson - It does not bear a good repute, I promise you.' 'How?' said the Baroness; 'Are there Robbers hereabout?' '
— from The Monk: A Romance by M. G. Lewis - “The Pike,” observes Afanasief, “is a fish of great repute in northern mythology.”
— from Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore - I think I have, if I can keep it, done myself a great deal of repute.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - The professor was a young Dominican, who had filled several chairs in San Juan de Letran with zeal and good repute.
— from The Reign of Greed by José Rizal
