公こう々こう然ぜん

taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle

openly; publicly; in broad daylight

Rare literary term describing an action done without any attempt at concealment, often with a negative or brazen connotation. Used adverbially with と.

• 彼かれらは公々こうこう然ぜんと賄わい賂ろを受うけ取とっていた。

  They were openly accepting bribes.

• 公々こうこう然ぜんと嘘うそをつくその態たい度どに呆あきれた。

  I was appalled at his attitude of telling lies so brazenly.