Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Nobility
1.
The quality or state of being noble; superiority of mind or of character; commanding excellence; eminence.
Though she hated Amphialus, yet the
nobility
of her courage prevailed over it. Sir P. Sidney.
They thought it great their sovereign to control,
And named their pride
And named their pride
nobility
of soul. Dryden.
2.
The state of being of high rank or noble birth; patrician dignity; antiquity of family; distinction by rank, station, or title, whether inherited or conferred.
I fell on the same argument of preferring virtue to
nobility
of blood and titles, in the story of Sigismunda. Dryden.
3.
Those who are noble; the collective body of nobles or titled persons in a state; the aristocratic and patrician class; the peerage;
as, the English
. nobility
Webster 1828 Edition
Nobility
NOBIL'ITY
,Noun.
1.
Dignity of mind; greatness; grandeur; that elevation of soul which comprehends bravery, generosity, magnamimity, intrepidity, and contempt of every thing that dishonors character.Though she hated Amphialus, yet the nobility of her courage prevailed over it.
They thought it great their sovereign to control, and named their pride, nobility of soul.
2.
Antiquity of family; descent from noble ancestors; distinction by blood, usually joined with riches.When I took up Boccace unawares, I fell on the same argument of preferring virtue to nobility of blood and titles, in the story of Sigismunda.
3.
The qualities which constitute distinction of rank in civil society, according to the customs or laws of the country; that eminence or dignity which a man derives from birth or title conferred, and which places him in an order above common men. In Great Britain, nobility is extended to five ranks, those of duke, marquis, earl, viscount and baron.4.
The persons collectively who enjoy rank above commoners; the peerage; as the English nobility; French, German, Russian nobility.Definition 2024
nobility
nobility
English
Noun
nobility (countable and uncountable, plural nobilities)
- A noble or privileged social class, historically accompanied by a hereditary title; aristocracy.
- (uncountable) The quality of being noble.
Synonyms
- (noble or privileged social class): aristocracy, upper class
- (quality of being noble): nobleness
Antonyms
- (noble or privileged social class): plebeian
- (quality of being noble): meanness, ignobility
Translations
noble or privileged social class
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the quality of being noble
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