adjective gentler, gentlest
- belonging to the upper classes or polite society
- like or suitable to polite society; refined, courteous, etc.
- Archaic noble; chivalrous: a gentle knight
- generous; kind: gentle reader
- easily handled; tame: a gentle dog
- kindly; serene; patient: a gentle disposition
- not violent, harsh, or rough: a gentle tap, a gentle rebuke
- gradual: a gentle slope
Origin:
ME gentil < OFr, of noble birth < L gentilis, of the same gens (in LL, of a good family) < gens: see gens
noun
Archaic a person of the upper classes
transitive verb gentled, gentling
- Rare to make gentle, mild, or pleasant
- to tame or train (a horse)
- to calm or soothe as by stroking
- Obsolete to raise to the social status of a gentleman