— gentlewomanly , adj.
/jen"tl woom'euhn/ , n. , pl. gentlewomen .
1. a woman of good family, breeding, or social position
2. a civilized, educated, sensitive, or well-mannered woman; lady.
3. a woman who attends upon a lady of rank.
4. a female member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives: The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Maine.
[ 1200-50; ME; see GENTLE, WOMAN ]