Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Worthy \Wor"thy\, n.; pl. {Worthies}.
   A man of eminent worth or value; one distinguished for useful
   and estimable qualities; a person of conspicuous desert; --
   much used in the plural; as, the worthies of the church;
   political worthies; military worthies.

         The blood of ancient worthies in his veins. --Cowper.