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gentility definition

gen·til·ity (jen til′i tē)

noun pl. gentilities -·ties

    1. the condition of belonging by birth to the upper classes
    2. members of the upper class, collectively
  2. the quality of being genteel; now, specif., excessive or affected refinement and elegance

Etymology: ME gentilete < OFr < L gentilitas < gentilis: see gentle

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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