no·ble  (nō'bəl) 
adj.
no·bler, no·blest
Possessing hereditary rank in a political system or social class derived from a feudalistic stage of a country's development. Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor: a noble spirit. Proceeding from or indicative of such a character; showing magnanimity: "What poor an instrument/May do a noble deed!" (Shakespeare).
Grand and stately in appearance; majestic: "a mighty Spanish chestnut, bare now of leaves, but in summer a noble tree" (Richard Jeffries). Chemistry Inactive or inert.
n. A member of the nobility. A gold coin formerly used in England, worth half of a mark.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin nōbilis; see gnō- in Indo-European roots.]
no'ble·ness n., no'bly adv. |
bli