2. The nobility; persons of noble rank collectively, including males and females. Dryden.

NOBLEWOMAN
No"ble*wom`an, n.; pl. Noblewomen (.

Defn: A female of noble rank; a peeress.

NOBLEY
No"bley, n. Etym: [OF. nobleie.]

1. The body of nobles; the nobility. [Obs.] Chaucer.

2. Noble birth; nobility; dignity. [Obs.] Chaucer.

NOBLY
No"bly, adv.

1. Of noble extraction; as, nobly born or descended.

2. In a noble manner; with greatness of soul; heroically; with magnanimity; as, a deed nobly done.

3. Splendidly; magnificently.