Definition of nobility

The word "nobility" originated in Middle English around the 14th century, and it can be traced back to the Old French word "nobalte" which meant "known or recognized." The root of the word comes from the Latin "nobilis," which also means "known, famous, or distinguished." In medieval Europe, the Church and the monarchies recognized certain families, families with a long pedigree or those who had acquired wealth and land through military prowess, as "nobilis" or noble. The nobility initially gained their status from their service to the monarch and their ability to provide military force during times of war, but over time, the monarchs granted them hereditary privileges, such as exclusive access to certain jobs, exemption from certain taxes, and the right to marry their daughters into the royal family. These privileges and associated traits, such as honors, titles, wealth, and powerful connections, became synonymous with the symbolic idea of nobility. While the meaning and significance of nobility have evolved over time, the term continues to denote a specific social class and specialized set of privileges.