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 lay down
Far more magnanimous than 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.