white list

noun

: a list of approved or favored items: as

a. : a list of business concerns that are worthy of patronage by reason of compliance with usually specified conditions (as in regard to treatment of employees)

b. : a list of cultural or amusement items (as plays or books) approved (as in respect to moral worth or orthodoxy)

c. : a list of actual or potential employees who are desirable for employment — compare blacklist

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1. a list of novels, motion pictures, etc., deemed suitable for juveniles, members of a particular faith, or other specified groups of individuals.

2. a list of persons thought by a business concern to be qualified or otherwise suitable for employment.

3. a list of individuals, organizations, etc., having security clearance from government officials.

4. a list of business establishments approved for patronage because of hiring practices, religious or political affiliations, etc.

5. a list kept by a labor union, containing the names of employers who maintain working conditions approved by the union. Cf. blacklist.

[1905-10]

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white list,

U.S. a list of members of diplomatic households who are entitled to diplomatic immunity from the jurisdiction of courts.

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n. informal a list of people or products viewed with approval. Compare with black list