adj. & n.
adj. (worthier, worthiest) 1 estimable; having some moral worth; deserving respect (lived a worthy life). 2 (of a person) entitled to (esp. condescending) recognition (a worthy old couple). 3 a (foll. by of or to + infin.) deserving (worthy of a mention; worthy to be remembered). b (foll. by of) adequate or suitable to the dignity etc. of (in words worthy of the occasion).
n. (pl. -ies) 1 a worthy person. 2 a person of some distinction. 3 joc. a person. worthily adv. worthiness n.
[ ME wurthi etc. f. WORTH ]