Dignity

Dignity Dig"ni*ty, n.; pl. {Dignities}. [OE. dignete, dignite, OF. dignet['e], dignit['e], F. dignit['e], fr. L. dignitas, from dignus worthy. See {Dainty}, {Deign}.] 1. The state of being worthy or honorable; elevation of mind or character; true worth; excellence. [1913 Webster]

2. Elevation; grandeur. [1913 Webster]

The dignity of this act was worth the audience of kings. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3. Elevated rank; honorable station; high office, political or ecclesiastical; degree of excellence; preferment; exaltation. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? --Esth. vi. 3. [1913 Webster]

Reuben, thou art my firstborn, . . . the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power. --Gen. xlix. 3. [1913 Webster]

4. Quality suited to inspire respect or reverence; loftiness and grace; impressiveness; stateliness; -- said of mien, manner, style, etc. [1913 Webster]

A letter written with singular energy and dignity of thought and language. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

5. One holding high rank; a dignitary. [1913 Webster]

These filthy dreamers . . . speak evil of dignities. --Jude. 8. [1913 Webster]

6. Fundamental principle; axiom; maxim. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Sciences concluding from dignities, and principles known by themselves. --Sir T. Browne.

Syn: See {Decorum}. [1913 Webster]

{To stand upon one's dignity}, to have or to affect a high notion of one's own rank, privilege, or character. [1913 Webster]

They did not stand upon their dignity, nor give their minds to being or to seeming as elegant and as fine as anybody else. --R. G. White. [1913 Webster]