What is "as good as one's word"

as \as\ ([a^]z), adv. & conj. [OE. as, als, alse, also, al swa, AS. eal sw[=a], lit. all so; hence, quite so, quite as: cf. G. als as, than, also so, then. See Also.]

1. Denoting equality or likeness in kind, degree, or manner; like; similar to; in the same manner with or in which; in accordance with; in proportion to; to the extent or degree in which or to which; equally; no less than; as, ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil; you will reap as you sow; do as you are bidden.

   His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved his soul, to emancipate his brethren.
   --Macaulay.

   Note: As is often preceded by one of the antecedent or correlative words such, same, so, or as, in expressing an equality or comparison; as, give us such things as you please, and so long as you please, or as long as you please; he is not so brave as Cato; she is as amiable as she is handsome; come as quickly as possible. ``Bees appear fortunately to prefer the same colors as we do.''
   --Lubbock. As, in a preceding part of a sentence, has such or so to answer correlatively to it; as with the people, so with the priest.

2. In the idea, character, or condition of, -- limiting the view to certain attributes or relations; as, virtue considered as virtue; this actor will appear as Hamlet.

   The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man merely as a king.
   --Dewey.

3. While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he trembled as he spoke.

   As I return I will fetch off these justices.
   --Shak.

4. Because; since; it being the case that.

   As the population of Scotland had been generally trained to arms . . . they were not indifferently prepared.
   --Sir W. Scott.

5. Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in meaning).

   We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the interest, transient as it may be, which this work has excited.
   --Macaulay.

6. That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence, after the correlatives so and such. [Obs.]

   I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall never find thee.
   --Rowe.

   So as, so that. [Obs.]

   The relations are so uncertain as they require a great deal of examination.
   --Bacon.

7. As if; as though. [Obs. or Poetic]

   He lies, as he his bliss did know.
   --Waller.

8. For instance; by way of example; thus; -- used to introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations.

9. Than. [Obs. & R.]

   The king was not more forward to bestow favors on them as they free to deal affronts to others their superiors.
   --Fuller.

10. Expressing a wish. [Obs.] ``As have,''

    Note: i. e., may he have.
    --Chaucer.

    As . . as. See So . . as, under So.

    As far as, to the extent or degree. ``As far as can be ascertained.''
    --Macaulay.

    As far forth as, as far as. [Obs.]
    --Chaucer.

    As for, or As to, in regard to; with respect to.

    As good as, not less than; not falling short of.

    As good as one's word, faithful to a promise.

    As if, or As though, of the same kind, or in the same condition or manner, that it would be if.

    As it were (as if it were), a qualifying phrase used to apologize for or to relieve some expression which might be regarded as inappropriate or incongruous; in a manner.

    As now, just now. [Obs.]
    --Chaucer.

    As swythe, as quickly as possible. [Obs.]
    --Chaucer.

    As well, also; too; besides.
    --Addison.

    As well as, equally with, no less than. ``I have understanding as well as you.''
    --Job xii. 3.

    As yet, until now; up to or at the present time; still; now.