nōˈbiləd.ē, -ətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English nobilite, from Middle French nobilité, from Latin nobilitat-, nobilitas, from nobilis famous, noble + -itat-, -itas -ity
1. : the quality or state of being noble: as
a. : the condition of possessing characteristics or properties of a very high kind or order : superiority in excellence, value, or importance
the nobility of gold
the nobility of his prose
b. : superiority of mind or of character : commanding moral worth or excellence : eminence
a man of true nobility
c. : the quality or state of being of noble or high birth or of exalted rank or station either inherited or acquired : preeminence or distinction by rank or title
in many Continental countries … nobility , once conferred, extends to every member of the family in all generations — Valentina Heywood
2.
a. : the body of persons forming the noble class in a country or state : aristocracy ; specifically : the British peerage — usually used with the
a street where many of the nobility reside — Samuel Johnson
b. : a noble class or a body of nobles — used with a
the Venetians were a nobility of merchants — C.C.Clarke
3. : a manifestation of noble spirit