Main Entry:

gen·tle·man

Pronunciation:

\ˈjen-t^əl-mən, ˈje-n^əl-, in rapid speech also ˈjen-tə-mən, ˈje-nə-\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

Middle English gentilman

Date:

12th century

1 a: a man of noble or gentle birth b: a man belonging to the landed gentry c (1): a man who combines gentle birth or rank with chivalrous qualities (2): a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior d (1): a man of independent means who does not engage in any occupation or profession for gain (2): a man who does not engage in a menial occupation or in manual labor for gain2: valet —often used in the phrase gentleman's gentleman3: a man of any social class or condition —often used in a courteous reference <show this gentleman to a seat> or usually in the plural in address <ladies and gentlemen>

— gen·tle·man·like \-mən-ˌlīk\ adjective

— gen·tle·man·like·ness noun