Gentry (?), n. [OE. genterie, gentrie, noble birth, nobility, cf. gentrise, and OF. gentelise, genterise, E. gentilesse, also OE. genteleri high-mindedness. See Gent, a., Gentle, a.]
1. Birth; condition; rank by birth. [Obs.] “Pride of gentrie.” Chaucer.
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She conquers him by high almighty Jove,
By knighthood, gentry, and sweet friendship's oath. Shak.
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2. People of education and good breeding; in England, in a restricted sense, those between the nobility and the yeomanry. Macaulay.
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3. Courtesy; civility; complaisance. [Obs.]
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To show us so much gentry and good will. Shak.
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