gentry
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gen·try

noun \ˈjen-trē\
plural gentries

Definition of GENTRY

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>

Examples of GENTRY

  1. <poor tenant farmers working for landed gentry>
  2. <the old-line yachting gentry frowns on vulgar displays of wealth>

Origin of GENTRY

Middle English gentrie, alteration of gentrise
First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with GENTRY

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