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.
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2. Elevation; grandeur.
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The dignity of this act was worth the audience of
kings. --Shak.
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3. Elevated rank; honorable station; high office, political
or ecclesiastical; degree of excellence; preferment;
exaltation. --Macaulay.
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And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been
done to Mordecai for this? --Esth. vi. 3.
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Reuben, thou art my firstborn, . . . the excellency
of dignity, and the excellency of power. --Gen.
xlix. 3.
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4. Quality suited to inspire respect or reverence; loftiness
and grace; impressiveness; stateliness; -- said of mien,
manner, style, etc.
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A letter written with singular energy and dignity of
thought and language. --Macaulay.
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5. One holding high rank; a dignitary.
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These filthy dreamers . . . speak evil of dignities.
--Jude. 8.
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6. Fundamental principle; axiom; maxim. [Obs.]
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Sciences concluding from dignities, and principles
known by themselves. --Sir T.
Browne.
Syn: See Decorum.
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To stand upon one's dignity, to have or to affect a high
notion of one's own rank, privilege, or character.
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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.
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