Of a person's birth, family, or social background: conferring elevated or distinguished social status; belonging to a high social class; socially…

Having a (specified) social condition; †of (good) condition.

Of persons. Capable of being visited on more or less equal terms by those of some standing in society; having some social position in a neighbourhood.

That is, or has the character or style of, a ‘swell’; befitting a ‘swell’. Of persons: Stylishly or handsomely dressed or equipped; of good…

spec. Holding an advantageous or influential social position; of high status.

(see quots.).

colloquial. Short for ‘quite a gentleman (lady, etc.)’; socially acceptable. Usually in negative contexts. Also modified by quite. Now rare.