Mag*nan"i*mous (?), a.[L. magnanimus; magnus great + animus mind. See Magnate, and Animus.]
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.
© Webster 1913.