HON'ORABLE, a. [L. honorabilis.] 1. Holding a distinguished rank in society; illustrious or noble. Sheehem was more honorable than all the house of his father. Gen.34. Many of them believed; also of honorable women who were Greeks--not a few. Acts.17.2. Possessing a high mind; actuated by principles of honor, or a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude or reputation. He is an honorable man.3. Conferring honor, or procured by noble deeds; as honorable wounds.4. Consistent with honor or reputation. It is not honorable to oppress the weak, or to insult the vanquished.5. Respected; worthy of respect; regarded with esteem. Marriage is honorable in all. Heb.13.6. Performed or accompanied with marks of honor,or with testimonies of esteem; as an honorable burial.7. Proceeding from an upright and laudable cause,or directed to a just and proper end; not base; not reproachful; as an honorable motive. Nothing can be honorable which is immoral.8. Not to be disgraced. Let her descend; my chambers are honorable.9. Honest; without hypocrisy or deceit; fair. His intentions appear to be honorable. 10. An epithet of respect or distinction; as the honorable senate; the honorable gentleman. 11. Becoming men of rank and character, or suited to support men in a station of dignity; as an honorable salary.
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