nobility

n. [ L. nobilitas: cf. OF. nobilité. See Noble. ] 1. The quality or state of being noble; superiority of mind or of character; commanding excellence; eminence. [ 1913 Webster ]

Though she hated Amphialus, yet the nobility of her courage prevailed over it. Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]

They thought it great their sovereign to control,
And named their pride nobility of soul. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The state of being of high rank or noble birth; patrician dignity; antiquity of family; distinction by rank, station, or title, whether inherited or conferred. [ 1913 Webster ]

I fell on the same argument of preferring virtue to nobility of blood and titles, in the story of Sigismunda. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Those who are noble; the collective body of nobles or titled persons in a state; the aristocratic and patrician class; the peerage; as, the English nobility. [ 1913 Webster ]