gentility
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expressionSynonyms: breedinggenteelness
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onerousadjective
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
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]