Definition

1. Noun:
   • The noble class collectively; aristocracy: "Noblesse" refers to the body of people belonging to the nobility, especially in a hereditary system.
   • The state or quality of being noble; noble rank or birth: It can also denote the condition of having high social rank or aristocratic status.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The château was built to display the wealth and power of the local noblesse.
  • He was born into the French noblesse and inherited a title.

Advanced Usage

• "noblesse oblige": A French phrase used in English meaning "nobility obliges." It is the concept that those of high rank or birth have a responsibility to act honorably and generously toward others.
  • The prince's charity work was seen as a perfect example of noblesse oblige.

Variants and Related Words

• Noble (adj/n): Having high moral qualities or high social rank; a person belonging to the aristocracy.
  • She comes from a noble family.
• Nobility (n): The quality of being noble in character; the class of people belonging to the aristocracy.
  • The nobility of his actions was admired by all.

Synonyms

• Aristocracy: The highest class in certain societies, typically comprising people of noble birth holding hereditary titles and offices.
• Peerage: The body of peers or nobles in a country.

Related Phrases

• Noblesse de robe: (Historical) A class of nobility in France, especially under the , whose rank came from holding certain judicial or administrative offices, as opposed to the hereditary "noblesse d'épée" (nobility of the sword).

Noun

1. members of the nobility (especially of the French nobility)
2. the state of being of noble birth