Magnanimous, a.
Etymology: [L. magnanimus; magnus great + animus mind. See Magnate, and Animus.]
1. Great of mind; elevated in soul or in sentiment; raised above what is low, mean, or ungenerous; of lofty and courageous spirit; as, a magnanimous character; a magnanimous conqueror. Be magnanimous in the enterprise. Shak. To give a kingdom hath been thought Greater and nobler done, and to law down Far more magnanimousan to assume. Milton.
2. Dictated by or exhibiting nobleness of soul; honorable; noble; not selfish. Both strived for death; magnanimous debate. Stirling. There is an indissoluble union between a magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity. Washington.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for magnanimous; he lists it under generous.
Where he writes about it:
One is magnanimous by a greatness of soul (L. magnus, great, and animus, soul) that rises above all that is poor, mean, or weak, especially above every petty or ignoble motive or feeling pertaining to one's self, and thus above resentment of injury or insult; one is generous by a kindness of heart that would rejoice in the welfare rather than in the punishment of the offender. — from generous