Hon"or*a*ble (?), a. [F.
honorable, L. honorabilis.] 1.
Worthy of honor; fit to be esteemed or regarded; estimable;
illustrious.
Thy name and honorable family.
Shak.
2. High-minded; actuated by principles of
honor, or a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude, or
reputation.
3. Proceeding from an upright and laudable
cause, or directed to a just and proper end; not base;
irreproachable; fair; as, an honorable motive.
Is this proceeding just and
honorable?
Shak.
4. Conferring honor, or produced by noble
deeds.
Honorable wounds from battle
brought.
Dryden.
5. Worthy of respect; regarded with esteem;
to be commended; consistent with honor or rectitude.
Marriage is honorable in all.
Heb. xiii. 4.
6. Performed or accompanied with marks of
honor, or with testimonies of esteem; as, an honorable
burial.
7. Of reputable association or use;
respectable.
Let her descend: my chambers are
honorable.
Shak.
8. An epithet of respect or distinction; as,
the honorable Senate; the honorable
gentleman.
&fist; Honorable is a title of quality, conferred by
English usage upon the younger children of earls and all the children
of viscounts and barons. The maids of honor, lords of session, and
the supreme judges of England and Ireland are entitled to the prefix.
In American usage, it is a title of courtesy merely, bestowed upon
those who hold, or have held, any of the higher public offices, esp.
governors, judges, members of Congress or of the Senate, mayors.
Right honorable. See under
Right.
