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Magnanimous

1. Great of mind; elevated in soul or in sentiment; raised above what is low, mean, or ungenerous; of lofty and courageous spirit; as, a magnanimous character; a magnanimous conqueror. Be magnanimous in the enterprise. (Shak) To give a kingdom hath been thought Greater and nobler done, and to law down far more magnanimousan to assume. (Milton)

2. Dictated by or exhibiting nobleness of soul; honorable; noble; not selfish. Both strived for death; magnanimous debate. (Stirling) There is an indissoluble union between a magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity. (Washington)

Origin: L. Magnanimus; magnus great _ animus mind. See Magnate, and animus.