Gentility

Gentility
Gentility Gen*til"i*ty, n. [L. gentilitas the relationship of those who belong to the same clan, also, heathenism: cf. F. gentilit['e] heathenism. See {Gentile}.] [1913 Webster] 1. Good extraction; dignity of birth. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

He . . . mines my gentility with my education. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. The quality or qualities appropriate to those who are well born, as self-respect, dignity, courage, courtesy, politeness of manner, a graceful and easy mien and behavior, etc.; good breeding. [1913 Webster]

3. The class in society who are, or are expected to be, genteel; the gentry. [R.] --Sir J. Davies. [1913 Webster]

4. Paganism; heathenism. [Obs.] --Hooker. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • gentility — index blood, comity, courtesy, decorum, presence (poise), society Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton …   Law dictionary

  • gentility — mid 14c., gentle birth, from O.Fr. gentilité (14c.) or directly from L. gentilitatem (nom. gentilitas) relationship in the same family or clan, from gentilis (see GENTLE (Cf. gentle)). Meaning state of being gentile is from 1520s …   Etymology dictionary

  • gentility — [n] sophistication, cultivation aristocracy, blue blood*, civility, courtesy, courtliness, culture, decorum, elegance, elite, etiquette, flower*, formality, gentle birth*, gentlefolk, gentry, good breeding*, good family*, good manners*, high… …   New thesaurus

  • gentility — ► NOUN ▪ socially superior or genteel character or behaviour. ORIGIN from Old French gentil high born, noble (see GENTLE(Cf. ↑gently)) …   English terms dictionary

  • gentility — [jen til′i tē] n. pl. gentilities [ME gentilete < OFr < L gentilitas < gentilis: see GENTLE] 1. a) the condition of belonging by birth to the upper classes b) members of the upper class, collectively 2. the quality of being genteel; now …   English World dictionary

  • gentility — [[t]ʤentɪ̱lɪti[/t]] N UNCOUNT Gentility is the fact or appearance of belonging to a high social class. He surrounds himself with all the trappings of gentility dogs, horses, and fine paintings... The hotel has an air of faded gentility. Syn:… …   English dictionary

  • gentility — gen|til|i|ty [dʒenˈtılıti] n [U] formal the quality of being polite, gentle, or graceful, and of seeming to belong to a high social class ▪ The hotel had an air of discreet gentility …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • gentility — noun (U) formal the quality of appearing to belong to a high social class: her pretensions to gentility …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • gentility — noun an air of old fashioned gentility Syn: refinement, distinction, breeding, sophistication; respectability, punctiliousness, decorum, good manners, politeness, civility, courtesy, graciousness, correctness; affectation, ostentation …   Thesaurus of popular words

  • gentility — noun (plural ties) Date: 14th century 1. a. the condition of belonging to the gentry b. gentlefolk, gentry 2. a. (1) decorum of conduct ; courtesy (2) attitudes or activity marked by false delica …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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