Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HON'OR-A-BLE, a. [L. honorabilis; Fr. honorable.]

1. Holding a distinguished rank in society; illustrious or noble. Shechem was more honorable than all the house of his father. Gen. xxxiv. Many of them believed; also of honorable women who were Greeks – not a few. Acts xvii.
2. Possessing a high mind; actuated by principles of honor, or a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude or reputation. He is an honorable man.
3. Conferring honor, or procured by noble deeds; as, honorable wounds. Dryden.
4. Consistent with honor or reputation. It is not honorable to oppress the weak, or to insult the vanquished.
5. Respected; worthy of respect; regarded with esteem. Marriage is honorable in all. Heb. xiii.
6. Performed or accompanied with marks of honor, or with testimonies of esteem; as, an honorable burial.
7. Proceeding from an upright and laudable cause, or directed to a just and proper end; not base; not reproachful; as, an honorable motive. Nothing can be honorable which is immoral.
8. Not to be disgraced. Let her descend; my chambers are honorable. Shak.
9. Honest; without hypocrisy or deceit; fair. His intentions appear to be honorable.
10. An epithet of respect or distinction; as, the honorable senate; the honorable gentleman.
11. Becoming men of rank and character, or suited to support men in a station of dignity; as, an honorable salary. Constitution of Massachusetts.