(a) High rank or birth; dignity, nobility; one proud of his birth [quot.: c1390]; gret ~ [see also gret 3. (d)]; ~ of birthe (blod, kin, kinde, kinrede), nobility of birth or ancestry; also coll. the nobles, the nobility of a country; (b) majesty, greatness, power, sovereignty; kingly conduct or graciousness; (c) in honorific modes of address: highness, excellency, majesty; your (the) ~.

(a) Highness of nature or conduct, nobleness; ~ of maneres, nobility of morals or conduct; thurgh ~, as a point of honor; (b) fame, renown, honor, praise; pride and ~, pride and vainglory; (c) valor, courage, hardiness; valorous or noble action; also, a military force; knight of ~, knight of knightly qualities.

(a) Magnificence, splendor, grandeur; pomp, ceremony; luxury, sumptuousness, wealth; splendid or costly objects, treasures; splendid appearance; ~ & pride, magnificence & display; (b) of ~, fair, beautiful, of fine quality, of splendid appearance; (c) excellence, perfection; praiseworthiness; also, of stories: memorableness; (d) sign of nobility; (e) wonder, marvel.