gentlea.[OE. gentil, F. gentil noble, pretty, graceful, fr. L. gentilis of the same clan or race, fr. gens, gentis, tribe, clan, race, orig. that which belongs together by birth, fr. the root of genere, gignere, to beget; hence gentle, properly, of birth or family, that is, of good or noble birth. See Gender, and cf. Genteel, Gentil, Gentile, Gentoo, Jaunty.]1. Well-born; of a good family or respectable birth, though not noble.()British society is divided into nobility, gentry, and yeomanry, and families are either noble, gentle, or simple. (Johnson's Cyc.)The studies wherein our noble and gentle youth ought to bestow their time. (Milton.)2. Quiet and refined in manners; not rough, harsh, or stern; mild; meek; bland; amiable; tender; as, a gentle nature, temper, or disposition; a gentle manner; a gentle address; a gentle voice.()3. A compellative of respect, consideration, or conciliation; as, gentle reader.(Shak.)4. Not wild, turbulent, or refractory; quiet and docile; tame; peaceable; as, a gentle horse.()5. Soft; not violent or rough; not strong, loud, or disturbing; easy; soothing; pacific; as, a gentle touch; a gentle gallop .(Sir J. Davies.)O sleep! it is a gentle thing. (Coleridge.)The gentle craft, the art or trade of shoemaking.()()n.1. One well born; a gentleman.()Gentles, methinks you frown. (Shak.)2. A trained falcon. See Falcon-gentil.()3. (Zol.) A dipterous larva used as fish bait.()v. t.1. To make genteel; to raise from the vulgar; to ennoble.(Shak.)2. To make smooth, cozy, or agreeable.()To gentle life's descent,
We shut our eyes, and think it is a plain. (Young.)3. To make kind and docile, as a horse.()n. pl. Persons of gentle or good family and breeding.(Shak.)
