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 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 \-mən-ˌlīk\ adjective

— gen·tle·man·like·ness noun