nobility
/nə(ʊ)ˈbɪlɪti
/noun (plural nobilities) [mass noun]
1The quality of being noble in character: a man of nobility and learning...
- Such a limitation requires a strong breed of man, however, with a quality of character and nobility of soul.
- The basic premise of the story is that noble birth doesn't guarantee a noble person and nobility can be present in the most humble peasant.
- Yes, let's take the classics and teach about nobility, honor, character, courage, commitment.
Synonyms
virtue, goodness, honour, honesty, decency, integrity, magnanimity, generosity, selflessness, bravery
2The quality of belonging to the aristocracy: after 1722 nobility was only acquired by service in the army or bureaucracy...
- In Russia the equation of nobility and service was quite explicit: after 1722 nobility was only acquired by service in the army or bureaucracy.
- The great ministerial dynasties, and many of the most dynamic servants of the Bourbon monarchy, acquired nobility through the purchase of office.
- In France noble privileges were all swept away in 1789 and hereditary nobility itself was abolished in 1790.
2.1 (usually the nobility) The group of people belonging to the highest social class in a country; the aristocracy: a member of the English nobility...
- Around this castle were the smaller houses of lesser nobility and the members of court.
- Instead, they were answerable to a complex of hereditary or franchise jurisdictions in the hands of the feudal nobility.
- The night of 4 August also transformed the character of the French nobility.
Synonyms
aristocracy, aristocrats, lords, ladies, peerage, peers, peers of the realm, peeresses, nobles, noblemen, noblewomen, titled men/women/people, members of the aristocracy/nobility/peerage, patricians
informal aristos
British informal nobs
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French nobilite or Latin nobilitas, from nobilis 'noted, high-born' (see noble).