[ L., great charter. ] 1. The great Charter, so called, obtained by the English barons from King John, A. D. 1215. This name is also given to the charter granted to the people of England in the ninth year of Henry III., and confirmed by Edward I. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, a fundamental constitution which guaranties rights and privileges. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. magnalis mighty, fr. magnus great. ] A great act or event; a great attainment. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

prop. n. A great nature goddess of ancient Phrygia in Asia Minor; the counterpart of the Greek Rhea and the Roman Ops.
Syn. -- Cybele, Dindymene, Great Mother, Mater Turrita. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ F. magnanimité, L. magnanimitas. ] The quality of being magnanimous; greatness of mind; elevation or dignity of soul; that quality or combination of qualities, in character, which enables one to encounter danger and trouble with tranquility and firmness, to disdain injustice, meanness and revenge, and to act and sacrifice for noble objects. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Be magnanimous in the enterprise. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

To give a kingdom hath been thought
Greater and nobler done, and to lay down
Far more magnanimous than to assume. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Dictated by or exhibiting nobleness of soul; honorable; noble; not selfish. [ 1913 Webster ]

Both strived for death; magnanimous debate. Stirling. [ 1913 Webster ]

There is an indissoluble union between a magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity. Washington. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a magnanimous manner; with greatness of mind. [ 1913 Webster ]

(Paint.) A black pigment which dries rapidly when mixed with oil, and is of intense body. Fairholt. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ F. magnat, L. (pl.) magnates, magnati, fr. magnus great. See Master. ] 1. A person of rank; a noble or grandee; a person of influence or distinction in any sphere; -- used mostly of prominent business executives; as, an industrial magnate. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

2. One of the nobility, or certain high officers of state belonging to the noble estate in the national representation of Hungary, and formerly of Poland. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖ [ L., scandal of magnates. ] (Law) A defamatory speech or writing published to the injury of a person of dignity; -- usually abbreviated scan. mag. [ 1913 Webster ]