out-and-out

See also: out and out

English

out-and-out (not comparable) (used only before a noun, attributively)

Complete, utter.
He is an out-and-out idiot.
out-and-out lie
- 1998, Douglas Adams, speech at Cambridge, UK.
  I'm sure most of the people in this room will share the same view, but even as an out-and-out atheist one can't help noticing that the role of a god has had an enormously profound impact on human history over many, many centuries.
(animal husbandry) thoroughly cross-bred; a breeding strategy esp. with poultry where new roosters are circulated yearly to maintain a mongrel flock.
For my own part I would sooner eat bread-and-cheese and know myself the possessor of an out-and-out horse, than sell him for the privilege of dining with the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen every day in the year.
- 1840, The Sporting Magazine, May 1840, Vol XXI Second Series

complete