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That which rightfully attracts esteem, respect, or consideration; self-respect; dignity; courage; fidelity; especially, excellence of character; high moral worth; virtue; nobleness; specif., in men, integrity; uprightness; trustworthness; in women, purity; chastity. If she have forgot Honor and virtue. Shak. Godlike er…

e, to set in motion, action, or progress; to initiate; -- used especially of something of dignity or worth or public concern; as, to inaugurate a new era of things, new methods, etc. As if kings did closes remarkable days to inaugurate their favors. Sir H. Wotton.

or penalty; the state of being indemnified. Indemnification is capable of some estimate; dignity has no standard. Burke.

To treat disdainfully or with indignity; to contemn. [Obs.] Spenser.

other office, with the customary forms and ceremonies. The prior, when inducted into that dignity, took an oath not to alienate any of their lands. Bp. Burnet.

Total loss of reputation; public disgrace; dishonor; ignominy; indignity. The afflicted queen would not yield, and said she would not . . . submit to such infamy. Bp. Burnet.

One who inherits; an heir. Born inheritors of the dignity. Milton.

other, either by word or act; an act or speech of insolence or contempt; an affront; an indignity. The ruthless sneer that insult adds to grief. Savage.

To clothe, as with office or authority; to place in possession of rank, dignity, or estate; to endow; to adorn; to grace; to bedeck; as, to invest with honor or glory; to invest with an estate. I do invest you jointly with my power. Shak.

The office or dignity of a justice. Holland.

Having a kingdom or the dignity of a king; like a kingdom. [R.] "Twixt his mental and his active parts, Kingdom'd Achilles in commotion rages And batters down himself. Shak.

The state, office, or dignity of a king; royalty. Landor.

One on whom knighthood, a dignity next below that of baronet, is conferred by the sovereign, entitling him to be addressed as Sir; as, Sir John. [Eng.] Hence:

ht bachelor, and who was obliged to serve in war with a greater number of attendants. The dignity was sometimes conferred by the sovereign in person on the field of battle.

The character, dignity, or condition of a knight, or of knights as a class; hence, chivalry. "O shame to knighthood." Shak. If you needs must write, write Cæsar's praise; You 'll gain at least a knighthood, or the bays. Pope.

Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; wanting dignity or solemnity; trifling; gay; frivolous; airy; unsubstantial. Seneca can not be too heavy, nor Plautus too light. Shak. Specimens of New England humor laboriously light and lamentably mirthful. Hawthorne.

Small in dignity, power, or importance; not great; insignificant; contemptible. When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes I Sam. xv. 17.

Fig.: Elevated in character, rank, dignity, spirit, bearing, language, etc.; exalted; noble; stately; characterized by pride; haughty. The high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity. Is. lvii. 15. Lofty and sour to them that loved him not. Shak. Himself to sing, and build the lofty rhyme. Milton.

To invest with the dignity, power, and privileges of a lord. [R.] Shak.

The office or dignity of a magistrate. Blackstone.