1.1formal, humorous (of the intentions of a man courting a woman) directed toward marriage.
‘the young man's intentions had been honorable’
‘I was beginning to feel all tingly as he gazed into the limpid pool of my eyes and professed his honorable intentions.’
‘I went home with this girl once and her father asked, ‘Are your intentions honourable or dishonourable?’’
‘He couldn't risk having her think his intentions were less than honorable.’
‘He assured him that his intentions with his daughter were honorable, and asked if he could speak to her.’
‘He used to be very kind and dependable and I used to believe that his intentions towards were me honourable and that once he had resolved all the issues with his ex-wife and children, that he would marry me.’
2
(also Honorable)
Used as a title indicating eminence or distinction, given especially to judges and certain high officials.
‘the Honorable Richard Morris Esquire, chief justice of the supreme court of our state’
‘The Rt. Honourable Bernard Edward Barnaby Fitz-Patrick was born at Lisduff House, Errill on April 28, 1848.’
‘His next greeting was to the Honourable Jimmy Carter, President of the United States of America.’
‘The Honorable William H. Pryor Jr. served as the Attorney General of the State of Alabama from 1997-2004.’
Origin
Middle English via Old French from Latin honorabilis, from honor ‘honor’.
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