noble (ˈnəʊbəll
)
Definitions
adjective
- of or relating to a hereditary class with special social or political status, often derived from a feudal period
- of or characterized by high moral qualities; magnanimous ⇒
a noble deed
- having dignity or eminence; illustrious
- grand or imposing; magnificent ⇒
a noble avenue of trees
- of superior quality or kind; excellent ⇒
a noble strain of horses
- chemistry
- (of certain elements) chemically unreactive
- (of certain metals, esp copper, silver, and gold) resisting oxidation
- falconry
- designating long-winged falcons that capture their quarry by stooping on it from above Compare ignoble
- designating the type of quarry appropriate to a particular species of falcon
noun
- a person belonging to a privileged social or political class whose status is usually indicated by a title conferred by sovereign authority or descent
- (in the British Isles) a person holding the title of duke, marquess, earl, viscount, or baron, or a feminine equivalent
- a former Brit gold coin having the value of one third of a pound
Alternative Forms
ˈnobleness noun ˈnobly adverb Word Origin
C13: via Old French from Latin nōbilis, originally, capable of being known, hence well-known, noble, from noscere to know
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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aristocratic,
lordly,
titled,
gentle,
patrician,
blue-blooded,
highborn,
grand,
excellent,
splendid,
elevated,
eminent,
