n.
Pronunciation: ' jen-t ə l-m ə n, ' je-n ə l-, in rapid speech also ' jen-t ə -m ə n, ' je-n ə -
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
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 \ -m ə n- ˌ l ī k \ adjective
– gen · tle · man · like · ness noun