Generosity, n.
Etymology: [L. generositas: cf. F. générosité.]
1. Noble birth. [Obs.] Harris (Voyages).
2. The quality of being noble; noble-mindedness. Generosity is in nothing more seen than in a candid estimation of other men's virtues and good qualities. Barrow.
3. Liberality in giving; munificence.
Syn. -- Magnanimity; liberality.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for generosity; he lists it under benevolence.
Where he writes about it:
Humanity is so much kindness and tenderness toward man or beast as it would be inhuman not to have; we say of some act of care or kindness, "common humanity requires it." Generosity is self-forgetful kindness in disposition or action; it includes much besides giving; as, the generosity of forgiveness. — from benevolence