noble

(nōˈbəl)

1. Possessing hereditary rank in a political system or social class derived from a feudalistic stage of a country's development.
2. a. Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor: a noble spirit.
   b. Proceeding from or indicative of such a character; showing magnanimity: “What poor an instrument/May do a noble deed!” (Shakespeare).
3. Grand and stately in appearance; majestic: “a mighty Spanish chestnut, bare now of leaves, but in summer a noble tree” (Richard Jeffries).
4. Chemistry Inactive or inert.

1. A member of the nobility.
2. A gold coin formerly used in England, worth half of a mark.

Related Forms:

• noˈble·ness noun

• noˈbly adverb