I. ˈvenər(ə)bəl, -nrəb- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin venerabilis, from venerari to venerate + -abilis -able
1. : deserving to be venerated : worthy of honor and respect usually by reason of prolonged testing (as of character or in office)
a venerable judge
— used as a title or in a respectful form of address to an archdeacon of a church of the Anglican Communion or a person recognized by Roman Catholics as having attained the lowest of three degrees of sanctity
2. : made sacred by religious, historic, or other associations : meriting to be regarded with awe and treated with reverence
the venerable walls of a church
venerable relics of our forefathers
the venerable silence of the library — Ernst Krenek
3.
a. : calling forth respect through age, character, and attainments
venerable sages
a venerable leader
broadly : conveying an impression of aged goodness and benevolence
his ruddy features and snow-white hair gave him a venerable appearance
b. : impressive by reason of age
under venerable pines
that venerable coat had sheltered three generations
4. obsolete : showing or giving deep respect : reverential
Synonyms: see old
II. noun
( -s )
: a venerable individual ; especially : one entitled (as by position) to the title of venerable