The meanings it conveys in texts from that era are character, good or bad intentions, quality, disposition, personality, personhood, personal strength, and worth.
Traditionally, the concept of personhood has entailed the concept of soul, a metaphysical concept referring to a non-corporeal or extra-corporeal dimension of human being.
Wise argues that these animals should have legal personhood bestowed upon them to protect them from serious infringements upon their bodily integrity and bodily liberty.