Gentleman

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:

    The gentleman is learned, and a most rare speaker.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    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)

    In proceeding to the dining-room, the gentleman gives one arm to the lady he escorts—it is unusual to offer both.
    Lewis Carroll [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson] (1832–1898)