nobilitate
/nə(ʊ)ˈbɪlɪteɪt
/verb [with object] archaic, rare
Give (someone) a noble rank or title; ennoble: the frequent nobilitating of rich commoners...
- He had recommended him to be nobilitated.
- His Lordship also (before he was nobilitated) had his coat armorial, according to the bearing of his ancestors, gilded on his closet books.
- The only way to be nobilitated was through valour in the battlefield, and not through other merits.
Origin
Early 16th century: from Latin nobilitat-, from nobilitare 'to raise in rank': see -ate3.