\Dig"ni*ty\, n.; pl. {Dignities}. [OE. dignete, dignite,
OF. dignet['e], dignit['e], F. dignit['e], fr. L. dignitas,
from dignus worthy. See {Dainty}, {Deign}.]
1. The state of being worthy or honorable; elevation of mind
   or character; true worth; excellence.
2. Elevation; grandeur.
         The dignity of this act was worth the audience of
         kings.                                --Shak.
3. Elevated rank; honorable station; high office, political
   or ecclesiastical; degree of excellence; preferment;
   exaltation. --Macaulay.
         And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been
         done to Mordecai for this?            --Esth. vi. 3.
         Reuben, thou art my firstborn, . . . the excellency
         of dignity, and the excellency of power. --Gen.
                                               xlix. 3.
4. Quality suited to inspire respect or reverence; loftiness
   and grace; impressiveness; stateliness; -- said of ??en,
   manner, style, etc.
         A letter written with singular energy and dignity of
         thought ??d language.                 --Macaulay.
5. One holding high rank; a dignitary.
         These filthy dreamers . . . speak evil of dignities.
                                               --Jude. 8.
6. Fundamental principle; axiom; maxim. [Obs.]
         Sciences concluding from dignities, and principles
         known by themselves.                  --Sir T.
                                               Browne.
Syn: See {Decorum}.
{To stand upon one's dignity}, to have or to affect a high
   notion of one's own rank, privilege, or character.
         They did not stand upon their dignity, nor give
         their minds to being or to seeming as elegant and as
         fine as anybody else.                 --R. G. White.