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 aobsolete : the qualities appropriate to a person of gentle birth ; especially : courtesy b: the condition or rank of a gentleman2 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 status3: people of a specified class or kind : folks <no real heroes or heroines among the academic gentry — R. G. Hanvey>