dignity

1. bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation.
2. nobility or elevation of character; worthiness: dignity of sentiments.
3. elevated rank, office, station, etc.
4. relative standing; rank.
5. a sign or token of respect: an impertinent question unworthy of the dignity of an answer.
6. Archaic. a. person of high rank or title.
b. such persons collectively.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Origin: 1175–1225; ME dignite < AF, OF < L dignitās worthiness, equiv. to dign(us) worthy + -itās -ity]