a. [ F. honorable, L. honorabilis. ] 1. Worthy of honor; fit to be esteemed or regarded; estimable; illustrious. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thy name and honorable family. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. High-minded; actuated by principles of honor, or a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude, or reputation. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Proceeding from an upright and laudable cause, or directed to a just and proper end; not base; irreproachable; fair; as, an honorable motive. [ 1913 Webster ]

Is this proceeding just and honorable? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Conferring honor, or produced by noble deeds. [ 1913 Webster ]

Honorable wounds from battle brought. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Worthy of respect; regarded with esteem; to be commended; consistent with honor or rectitude. [ 1913 Webster ]

Marriage is honorable in all. Heb. xiii. 4. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Performed or accompanied with marks of honor, or with testimonies of esteem; as, an honorable burial. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. Of reputable association or use; respectable. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let her descend: my chambers are honorable. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. An epithet of respect or distinction; as, the honorable Senate; the honorable gentleman. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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, and often also extended to lower officials, such as city council members. [ 1913 Webster ]

Right honorable. See under Right. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The state of being honorable; eminence; distinction. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Conformity to the principles of honor, probity, or moral rectitude; fairness; uprightness; reputableness. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. 1. In an honorable manner; in a manner showing, or consistent with, honor. [ 1913 Webster ]

The reverend abbot . . . honorably received him. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Why did I not more honorably starve? Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Decently; becomingly. [ Obs. ] “Do this message honorably.” Shak.

Syn. -- Magnanimously; generously; nobly; worthily; justly; equitably; fairly; reputably.