| 释义 |
no·bil·i·ty
\nōˈbiləd.ē, -ətē, -i\ noun
(-es)
Etymology: Middle English nobilite, from Middle French nobilité, from Latin nobilitat-, nobilitas, from nobilis famous, noble + -itat-, -itas -ity
1. : the quality or state of being noble: as
a. : the condition of possessing characteristics or properties of a very high kind or order : superiority in excellence, value, or importance
< the nobility of gold >
< the nobility of his prose >
b. : superiority of mind or of character : commanding moral worth or excellence : eminence
< a man of true nobility >
c. : the quality or state of being of noble or high birth or of exalted rank or station either inherited or acquired : preeminence or distinction by rank or title
< in many Continental countries … nobility, once conferred, extends to every member of the family in all generations — Valentina Heywood >
2.
a. : the body of persons forming the noble class in a country or state : aristocracy; specifically : the British peerage — usually used with the
< a street where many of the nobility reside — Samuel Johnson >
b. : a noble class or a body of nobles — used with a
< the Venetians were a nobility of merchants — C.C.Clarke >
3. : a manifestation of noble spirit |