highborn meaning (archaic): definition, etymology and quotations

highborn

adj

Etymology From high + born.

Archaic Of high social standing as a result of having been born a member of an upper-level social class.

I am too high-born to be propertied, To be a secondary at control.c. 1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Iohn”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene ii]:
It is not for Kings to drink wine, nor for Princes strong drink. It becomes not them who are highborn to be intemperate.1672, Thomas Watson, “The Righteous Man's Excellency”, in A plea for the Godly, Thomas Parkhurst, page 95:

4 more examples

His acquaintance with this high-born dame gave wit no opportunity of boasting its influence; she was not to be subdued by the powers of verse, but rejected his addresses, it is said, with disdain.1781, Samuel Johnson, “Waller”, in Lives of the Poets:
The young Irishman was not a little touched and elated by the high-born damsel's partiality for him.1858–1859, W[illiam] M[akepeace] Thackeray, “In Which Cupid Plays a Considerable Part”, in The Virginians. A Tale of the Last Century, volume II, London: Bradbury & Evans, […], published 1859, →OCLC, page 180:
Was he not Rajah Hassim and was not the other a man of strong heart, of strong arm, of proud courage, a man great enough to protect highborn princes?1920, Joseph Conrad, chapter 4, in The Rescue:
He is a career rather than a conviction politician, but too highborn to be written off as a mere scaler of the greasy pole. He is a scion of the class that, deep down, believes it was born to rule.2007 July 14, Lesley White, “Face of Tories' new deal—Gordon Brown is enjoying a honeymoon now”, in The Australian:

Archaic Born a member of an upper-level social class (although not necessarily retaining high social standing)

The selfish, base, covetous, father-in-law was not at all desirous to have a highborn beggar and the posterity of a highborn beggar to maintain.1848, Thomas Macaulay, chapter 23, in The History of England from the Accession of James II, volume 5:
The references to the lady's long-standing affection for her loyal, high-born servant girl provide a succinct intimation that the lady herself is not a wholly repellent character.1996, Peter F. Ainsworth, "'The Letter Killeth': Law and Spirit in Marie De France's Lay of Le Fresne," French Studies, volume L, no. 1 (Jan.), page 5

1 more example

Mrs Monteith was able to tell her son about their high-born slave ancestor because he had left a memoir.2007 March 9, “Travelling to his African home”, in Church Times, number 7513, UK:

Of, pertaining to, or befitting people of high social standing.

In this illustrious throng, your lofty flood Swells high, fair confluence of all highborn Blood.1670, Richard Crashaw, "To the Queen's Majesty on Twelfth-day" in Steps to the temple; The delights of the Muses; and, Carmen Deo Nostro, Herringman (London)
I should have then Been trained in no highborn necessities Which I could meet not by my daily toil.1820, Percy Bysshe Shelley, The Cenci, act 2, scene 2.2:

2 more examples

Dowling says that most performances of Chekhov plays have been filtered through translations into a British highborn sensibility.1996 June 17, Jayne M. Blanchard, “Cherry Jubilee: New artistic director Joe Dowling sees the comedy in Chekhov and intends to bring a lighter 'Cherry Orchard' to the Guthrie Stage”, in St. Paul Pioneer Press, page 8B:
If anyone in the highborn sport known as thoroughbred horse racing has swagger these days, it is Baffert.2002 May 28, Kevin B. Blackistone, “Baffert trained for the spotlight”, in The Dallas Morning News:

Figuratively Of superior or premium quality; magnificent; expensive.

The tires are highborn Pirelli P Zeroes in appropriately majestic sizes.2007, “1999 Corvette FRC - All The King's Horses”, in Vette Web:
Gearhart is worth taking a bit of time to ogle the highborn homes along the backroads near the beach.2007 July 18, “Oregon Coast Travel Tips: Complete Tour of Seaside”, in beachconnection.net: