nobility

no-bil-i-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The quality of being noble in character, mind, birth, or rank; moral greatness or excellence.

  2. 2.

    The class of people of noble birth or rank; the aristocracy.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    nobility of character — Moral excellence and integrity.
  • •
    landed nobility — Aristocrats who derive their wealth from land ownership.
  • •
    noblesse oblige — The obligation of those of high rank to behave honorably and generously.

Related words

Antonyms: baseness, commoners, peasantry
See also: aristocracy, honor, noble, royalty
Synonyms: aristocracy, dignity, honor, peerage

Etymology

From Old French nobilite, from Latin nobilitas, from nobilis ("noble, well-known").