Main Entry: gen·try

Pronunciation: \ˈjen-trē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural gentries

Etymology: Middle English gentrie, alteration of gentrise

Date: 14th century

1 a obsolete : the qualities appropriate to a person of gentle birth; especially : courtesy b : the condition or rank of a gentleman
2 a : upper or ruling class : aristocracy b : a class whose members are entitled to bear a coat of arms though not of noble rank; especially : the landed proprietors having such status
3 : people of a specified class or kind : folks <no real heroes or heroines among the academic gentry — R. G. Hanvey>