The Collaborative International Dictionary
Plain-spoken \Plain"-spo`ken\, a.
Speaking with plain, unreserved sincerity; also, spoken
sincerely; as, plain-spoken words.
--Dryden.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1670s, from plain (adj.) + -spoken.
Usage examples of "plain-spoken".
He knew that a debate which had long gone on within himself, to himself unavowed, had at length to find its plain-spoken issue.
She had never imagined she would work for an aircraft company, but to her surprise she had found that her plain-spoken, midwestern pragmatism was perfectly suited to the culture of engineers that dominated the company.
Leah went out without giving me any answer, and I felt certain that after my plain-spoken discourse she would take care not to trouble me again.
The next day I slept til noon, and figured I'd spend the day at the races, so I asked the desk clerk where I could find Ascot and Epsom, and he gave me two addresses, but evidently he didn't understand plain-spoken American real good, because the first address turned out to be a men's clothing shop and the second was a druggist, and all I had to show for my hopeful afternoon at the track was an Ascot tie and a box of Epsom salts.
His only regular conversations were with Father Ganaris, the plain-spoken military chaplain who was the sole priest to have accompanied Lord Sulis out of Nabban.