Hŏn'or-a-ble, a.
a. [Fr., Pr., & Sp. honorable, It. onorevole, Lat. honorabilis.]
Sense 1. Worthy of honor; fit to be esteemed or regarded; estimable; illustrious.
He was more honorable than all the house of his father. Gen. xxxiv. 19.
To advance Your name and honorable family. Shak.
Sense 2. Possessing a high mind; actuated by principles of honor, or a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude, or reputation.
Sense 3. Proceeding from an upright and laudable cause, or directed to a just and proper end; not base; not reproachful; as, an honorable motive.
Is this proceeding just and honorable? Shak.
Sense 4. Conferring honor, or procured by noble deeds. “Honorable wounds from battle brought.” Dryden.
Sense 5. Worthy of respect; regarded with esteem; respected.
Marriage is honorable in all. Heb. xiii. 4.
Sense 6. Performed or accompanied with marks of honor, or with testimonies of esteem; as, an honorable burial.
Sense 7. Not to be disgraced.
Let her descend; my chambers are honorable. Shak.
Sense 8. An epithet of respect or distinction; as, the honorable Senate; the honorable gentleman.
Sense 9. Becoming men of rank and character, or suited to support men in a station of dignity; as, an honorable salary.