There is no direct equivalent in English. Although generally taken to mean 'dignity', it includes the sum of a man's influence, power and achievements throughout his life, as well as reputation, moral standing and entitlement to respect.
Dignitas
Fact of the Day
An eleventh-century bishop of Séez accidentally burned down his own cathedral during a military operation.
Quote of the Day
"History is a set of lies agreed upon.
"
~ Napoleon
On This Day
52 BCE The Siege of Alesia formally came to an end when Vercingetorix, leader of the Gaulish forces, surrendered to Julius Caesar.
1283 Dafydd ap Gruffydd, the last independent ruler of Wales, was hanged, drawn and quartered on the orders of Edward I.
1691 The Treaty of Limerick was signed, ending the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange.
1932 Iraq gained independence from Britain, after 17 years of British rule.
1935 Italian forces invaded Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) without a formal declaration of war.
1981 The second Irish hunger strike at Maze Prison in Northern Ireland was called off. 10 republican prisoners died in the showdown with Margaret Thatcher.