majesty Meaning, Definition & Usage

Maj"es*ty noun

Etymology

OE. magestee, F. majesté, L. majestas, fr. an old compar. of magnus great. See Major, Master.

Wordforms

plural Majesties

Definitions

1. The dignity and authority of sovereign power; quality or state which inspires awe or reverence; grandeur; exalted dignity, whether proceeding from rank, character, or bearing; imposing loftiness; stateliness; -- usually applied to the rank and dignity of sovereigns.

   The Lord reigneth; he is clothed with majesty. Ps. xciii. 1.

   No sovereign has ever represented the majesty of great state with more dignity and grace. Macaulay.

2. Hence, used with the possessive pronoun, the title of an emperor, king or queen; -- in this sense taking a plural; as, their majesties attended the concert.

   In all the public writs which he [Emperor Charles V.] now issued as King of Spain, he assumed the title of Majesty, and required it from his subjects as a mark of respect. Before that time all the monarchs of Europe were satisfied with the appellation of Highness or Grace. Robertson.

3. Dignity; elevation of manner or style. Dryden.