(a) Having the approved courtly or knightly qualities, noble, courtly, well-bred, refined, sportsmanlike; ~ in hall; (b) as noun: a noble person; in direct address: good sir, gracious lady, pl. ladies and gentlemen; as (the) ~, like a gentleman (lady), politely; (c) of a ruler, kingdom: powerful, noble, royal; (d) beautiful, handsome; (e) valiant; (f) fine, pleasant, well-made, valuable, rich; as noun: a pleasant thing; (g) polite, smooth, complaisant, over-refined.

(a) Of God, Christ, the Virgin: gracious, merciful, loving; -- also as noun; (b) of men: virtuous; ~ and god; run ~, q.v.; (c) gentle, mild, kindly, generous; [not always easily distinguishable from 2. (b)]; (d) humble, obedient, patient, tame, demure; ~ as hauk in halle (chete).

(a) Skilled, clever, crafty; of a blow: skillful; (b) helpful.

Near, close by, handy; somer ~, next summer; fer and (ne, other) ~, far and (nor, or) near.

In surnames.