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Definition of Noblesse oblige
1. Noun. The obligation of those of high rank to be honorable and generous (often used ironically).
Definition of Noblesse oblige
1. Noun. The honourable obligation that is the responsibility of those of high rank; in American English this often includes the expectation of benevolent actions such as helping those less fortunate. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Lexicographical Neighbors of Noblesse Oblige
Literary usage of Noblesse oblige
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Modern Eloquence by Thomas Brackett Reed, Rossiter Johnson, Justin McCarthy, Albert Ellery Bergh (1900)
"noblesse oblige [Speech of George William Curtis at the Harvard Alumni dinner
... which says to him, noblesse oblige. The youngest scion of the oldest house ..."
2. Chivalry in English Literature: Chaucer, Malory, Spenser and Shakespeare by William Henry Schofield (1912)
"Chaucer writes: "He is gentle who doth gentle deeds." Malory insists: "He who is
gentle ought to do gentle deeds"—noblesse oblige. Malory believed in the ..."
3. Marion Fay: A Novel by Anthony Trollope (1882)
"... CHAPTER X. "noblesse oblige." "I QUITE agree," said Hampstead, endeavouring
to discuss the matter rationally with his sister, "that her ladyship should ..."
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