a. [ L. ignobilis; pref. in- not + nobilis noble: cf. F. ignoble. See In- not, and Noble, a. ] 1. Of low birth or family; not noble; not illustrious; plebeian; common; humble. [ 1913 Webster ] I was not ignoble of descent. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Not honorable, elevated, or generous; base. [ 1913 Webster ] 'T is but a base, ignoble mind,
That mounts no higher than a bird can soar. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife. Gray. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Zool.) Not a true or noble falcon; -- said of certain hawks, as the goshawk. Syn. -- Degenerate; degraded; mean; base; dishonorable; reproachful; disgraceful; shameful; scandalous; infamous. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
