HONOURABLE, a style or title of honour common to the United Kingdom, the British colonies and the United States of America. See FORMS OF ADDRESS.
In the British colonies the title "honourable" is given to mem bers of the executive and legislative bodies, to judges, etc., during their term of service. It is sometimes retained by royal licence after a certain number of years' service.
In the United States of America the title is very widespread, being commonly given to any one who holds or has held any office of importance in state or nation, more particularly to mem bers of Congress or of the state legislatures, judges, justices, and certain other judicial and executive officials. (See also PRECE DENCE.)