n., pl., -ties.
- The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect.
- Inherent nobility and worth: the dignity of honest labor.
- Poise and self-respect.
- Stateliness and formality in manner and appearance.
- The respect and honor associated with an important position.
- A high office or rank.
- dignities The ceremonial symbols and observances attached to high office.
- Archaic. A dignitary.
[Middle English dignite, from Old French, from Latin dignitās, from dignus, worthy.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.