Gentleman
The term gentleman (from Latin gentilis, belonging to a race or gens, and man, cognate with the French word gentilhomme, the Spanish Caballero, the Italian gentil uomo or gentiluomo and the Portuguese gentil-homem), in its original and strict signification, denoted a man of the lowest rank of the English gentry, standing below an esquire and above a yeoman.
Read more about Gentleman.
Famous quotes containing the word gentleman:
“I have been told lately that Fuseli was travelling by coach and a gentleman opposite him said: “I understand, Mr. Fuseli, that you are a painter; it may interest you to know that I have a daughter who paints on velvet.”
Fuseli rose instantly and said in a strong foreign accent, “Let me get out.””
—Samuel Butler (1835–1902)
“Nominee. A modest gentleman shrinking from the distinction of private life and diligently seeking the honorable obscurity of public office.”
—Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914)
“Believe me, there exists no such dilemma as that in which a gentleman is placed when he is forced to reply to a blackguard.”
—Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1845)