I. ˈnō-bəl adjective
( no·bler -b(ə-)lər ; no·blest -b(ə-)ləst)
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin nobilis well-known, noble, from noscere to come to know — more at know
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : possessing outstanding qualities : illustrious
b. : famous , notable
noble deeds
2. : of high birth or exalted rank : aristocratic
3.
a. : possessing very high or excellent qualities or properties
noble wine
b. : very good or excellent
4. : grand or impressive especially in appearance
noble edifice
5. : possessing, characterized by, or arising from superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals : lofty
a noble ambition
6. : chemically inert or inactive especially toward oxygen
a noble metal such as platinum
— compare base 6a
Synonyms: see moral
• no·ble·ness -bəl-nəs noun
• no·bly -blē also -bə-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : a person of noble rank or birth
2. : an old English gold coin equivalent to 6 s 8 d