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Webster 1913 Edition


Gentility

Gen-til′i-ty

,
Noun.
[L.
gentilitas
the relationship of those who belong to the same clan, also, heathenism: cf. F.
gentilité
heathenism. See
Gentile
.]
1.
Good extraction; dignity of birth.
Macaulay.
He . . . mines my
gentility
with my education.
Shakespeare
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.
3.
The class in society who are, or are expected to be, genteel; the gentry.
[R.]
Sir J. Davies.
4.
Paganism; heathenism.
[Obs.]
Hooker.

Webster 1828 Edition


Gentility

GENTIL'ITY

, n.
1.
Politeness of manners; easy, graceful behavior; the manners of well bred people; genteelness.
2.
Good extraction; dignity of birth.
3.
Gracefulness of mien.
4.
Gentry. [Not in use.]
5.
Paganism; heathenism. [Not in use.]

Definition 2024


gentility

gentility

English

Noun

gentility (countable and uncountable, plural gentilities)

  1. (uncountable) The state of being elegant, genteel, having good breeding, or being socially superior.
  2. The upper classes, the gentry.

Translations