honourable, adj. (US honorable)
1 a worthy of honour. b bringing honour to its possessor. c showing honour, not base. d consistent with honour. e colloq. (of the intentions of a man courting a woman) directed towards marriage.
2 (Honourable) a title indicating eminence or distinction, given to certain high officials, the children of certain ranks of the nobility, and MPs.
honourable mention an award of merit to a candidate in an examination, a work of art, etc., not awarded a prize.
honourableness n. honourably adv.
ME f. OF honorable f. L honorabilis (as HONOUR)