— worthily , adv. — worthiness , n.
/werr"dhee/ , adj., worthier, worthiest , n. , pl. worthies .
adj.
1. having adequate or great merit, character, or value: a worthy successor.
2. of commendable excellence or merit; deserving: a book worthy of praise; a person worthy to lead.
n.
3. a person of eminent worth, merit, or position: The town worthies included two doctors.
[ 1175-1225; ME; see WORTH 1 , -Y 1 ]
Syn. 2. meritorious, worthwhile, estimable, excellent, exemplary, righteous, upright, honorable.