Generous (?), a. [F. généreux, fr. L. generous of noble birth, noble, excellent, magnanimous, fr. genus birth, race: cf. It. generoso. See 2d Gender.]
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1. Of honorable birth or origin; highborn. [Obs.]
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The generous and gravest citizens. Shak.
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2. Exhibiting those qualities which are popularly reregarded as belonging to high birth; noble; honorable; magnanimous; spirited; courageous. “The generous critic.” Pope. “His generous spouse.” Pope. “A generous pack [of hounds].” Addison.
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3. Open-handed; free to give; not close or niggardly; munificent; as, a generous friend or father.
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4. Characterized by generosity; abundant; overflowing; as, a generous table. Swift.
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5. Full of spirit or strength; stimulating; exalting; as, generous wine.

Syn. -- Magnanimous; bountiful. See Liberal.

-- Gen"er*ous*ly, adv. -- Gen"er*ous*ness, n.
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