— nobleness , n.
/noh"beuhl/ , adj., nobler, noblest , n.
adj.
1. distinguished by rank or title.
2. pertaining to persons so distinguished.
3. of, belonging to, or constituting a hereditary class that has special social or political status in a country or state; of or pertaining to the aristocracy.
4. of an exalted moral or mental character or excellence; lofty: a noble thought.
5. admirable in dignity of conception, manner of expression, execution, or composition: a noble poem.
6. very impressive or imposing in appearance; stately; magnificent: a noble monument.
7. of an admirably high quality; notably superior; excellent.
8. famous; illustrious; renowned.
9. Chem. inert; chemically inactive.
10. Falconry. (of a hawk) having excellent qualities or abilities.
n.
11. a person of noble birth or rank; nobleman or noblewoman.
12. a former gold coin of England, first issued in 1346 by Edward III, equal to half a mark or 6s. 8d., replaced in 1464 under Edward IV by the rose noble.
13. (in Britain) a peer.
[ 1175-1225; ME g ) nobilis notable, of high rank, equiv. to ( g ) no-, base of ( g ) noscere to get to know, find out (see KNOW 1 ) + -bilis -BLE ]
Syn. 3. highborn, aristocratic. 4. honorable. NOBLE, HIGH-MINDED, MAGNANIMOUS agree in referring to lofty principles and loftiness of mind or spirit. NOBLE implies a loftiness of character or spirit that scorns the petty, mean, base, or dishonorable: a noble deed. HIGH-MINDED implies having elevated principles and consistently adhering to them: a high-minded pursuit of legal reforms. MAGNANIMOUS suggests greatness of mind or soul, esp. as manifested in generosity or in overlooking injuries: magnanimous toward his former enemies. 6. grand, lordly, splendid. 11. peer, aristocrat.
Ant. 3. lowborn, base.