The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
   [1913 Webster]

         The blood of ancient worthies in his veins. --Cowper.
   [1913 Webster]