noblesse oblige

(nō bles′ ō blēz̸h′; Fr nō̂ bles ō̂ blēz̸h′)

the inferred obligation of people of high rank or social position to behave nobly or kindly toward others

Origin: Fr, lit., nobility obliges

See noblesse oblige in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Benevolent, honorable behavior considered to be the responsibility of persons of high birth or rank.

Origin:

Origin: French, nobility is an obligation

Origin: : noblesse, nobility

Origin: + oblige

Origin: , third person sing. present tense of obliger, to obligate

Learn more about noblesse oblige

noblesse oblige Culture

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD