Noblesse-oblige meaning

ō-blēzh'
Benevolent, honorable behavior considered to be the responsibility of persons of high birth or rank.
noun
0
0
The assumed obligation of people of high rank or social position to behave nobly or kindly toward others.
noun
0
0
The honourable obligation that is the responsibility of those of high rank; in American English this often includes the expectation of benevolent actions such as helping those less fortunate.
noun
0
0
Advertisement

Origin of noblesse-oblige

  • French nobility is an obligation noblesse nobility oblige third person sing. present tense of obliger to obligate
    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
  • Borrowing from French, noblesse (“nobility") oblige (“obliges")
    From Wiktionary

Words near noblesse-oblige in the Dictionary