among the Romans, were such as had the *jus imaginum*, or the right of using the pictures or statues of their ancestors; a right which was allowed only to those whose ancestors had borne some curule office, that is, had been *curule* *aedile*, *censor*, *praetor*, or *consul*. For a long time, none but the *Patricii* were the nobler, because no person but of that superior rank could bear any curule office; hence in Livy, Salust, &c., *nobilitas* is used to signify the Patrician order, and so opposed to *plebs*. To make the true meaning of *nobiles* still more clear, let it be observed, that the Roman people were divided into *nobiles*, *novi*, and *ignobiles*. *Nobiles* were they who had the pictures, &c., of their ancestors; *novi* were such as had only their own; *ignobiles* were such as had neither. See *Jus Imaginis*.

The Roman nobility, by way of distinction, wore an half moon upon their shoes, especially those of Patrician rank.

The Grecian nobility were called *Eurypylai*, as being descended from these old heroic ancestors so famous in history. Such were the *Praxiteleides*, *Etrobutides*, *Alcmenonides*, &c., all which had many privileges annexed to their quality; amongst which was this, that they wore grasshoppers in their hair as a badge of nobility.

*Noble*, a money of account containing six shillings and eight pence.

The noble was anciently a real coin struck in the reign of Edward III. and then called the *penny of gold*; but it was afterwards called a *rose-noble*, from its being stamped with a rose: it was current at 6s. 8d.