I found this word in the case of “The Missing Three-Quarter” in The Greatest Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. It is another word that I have skimmed over in the past, so I thought I would look it up this time to be sure it meant what I thought it did. I was wrong. I thought it would mean friendly, but it does not.

Venerable – accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character

Usage: “No doubt you will find some sights to amuse you in this venerable city.”

I suppose Cambridge can definitely be called old and respectable.