The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Gentlewoman \Gen"tle*wom`an\, n.; pl. Gentlewomen.
   [1913 Webster]
   1. A woman of good family or of good breeding; a woman above
      the vulgar. --Bacon.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A woman who attends a lady of high rank. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]