GENTLEMAN


Meaning of GENTLEMAN in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈjen-t ə l-mən, ˈje-n ə l-, in rapid speech also ]

ˈjen-tə-mən, ˈje-nə- noun

Usage: often attributive

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 -mən-ˌlīk adjective

• gen·tle·man·like·ness noun

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.