gentleman

One entry found for gentleman.

Main Entry: gen·tle·man
Pronunciation: 'jen-t^&l-m&n, 'je-n^&l-, in rapid speech also 'jen-t&-m&n, 'je-n&-
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English gentilman
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 gain
2 : VALET -- often used in the phrase gentleman's gentleman
3 : 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 /-m&n-"lIk/ adjective
- gen·tle·man·like·ness noun