Noble, a. [Compar. Nobler; superl. Noblest.]
Etymology: [F. noble, fr. L. nobilis that can be or is known, well known, famous, highborn, noble, fr.noscere to know. See know.]
1. Possessing eminence, elevation, dignity, etc.; above whatever is low, mean, degrading, or dishonorable; magnanimous; as, a noble nature or action; a noble heart. Statues, with winding ivy crowned, belong To nobler poets for a nobler song. Dryden.
2. Grand; stately; magnificent; splendid; as, a noble edifice.
3. Of exalted rank; of or pertaining to the nobility; distinguished from the masses by birth, station, or title; highborn; as, noble blood; a noble personage.
Note: Noble is used in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, noble-born, noble-hearted, noble-minded. Noble metals (Chem.), silver, gold, and platinum; -- so called from their freedom from oxidation and permanence in air. Copper, mercury, aluminium, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and osmium are sometimes included.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Honorable; worthy; dignified; elevated; exalted; superior; sublime; great; eminent; illustrious; renowned; stately; splendid; magnificent; grand; magnanimous; generous; liberal; free.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Noble, n.
1. A person of rank above a commoner; a nobleman; a peer.
2. An English money of account, and, formerly, a gold coin, of the value of 6 s. 8 d. sterling, or about $1.61.
3. (Zoöl.)
A European fish; the lyrie.
Noble, v. t.
To make noble; to ennoble. [Obs.] Thou nobledest so far forth our nature. Chaucer.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for noble; he lists it under awful, generous, high.
Where he writes about it:
We speak of an exalted station, a grand mountain, an imposing presence, a majestic cathedral, a noble mien, a solemn litany, a stately march, an august assembly, the awful scene of the Judgment Day. — from awful
A high ambition may be merely selfish; a lofty ambition is worthy and noble. — from high