adjective gentler -·tler, gentlest -·tlest

1. belonging to the upper classes or polite society
2. like or suitable to polite society; refined, courteous, etc.
3. Archaic noble; chivalrous a gentle knight
4. generous; kind gentle reader
5. easily handled; tame a gentle dog
6. kindly; serene; patient a gentle disposition
7. not violent, harsh, or rough a gentle tap, a gentle rebuke
8. gradual a gentle slope

Etymology: ME gentil < OFr, of noble birth < L gentilis, of the same gens (in LL, of a good family) < gens: see gens

noun

transitive verb gentled -·tled, gentling -·tling

1. Rare to make gentle, mild, or pleasant
2. to tame or train (a horse)
3. to calm or soothe as by stroking
4. Obsolete to raise to the social status of a gentleman