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.

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Famous quotes containing the word gentleman:

    ““Faith” is a fine invention
    When Gentleman can see—
    But Microscopes are prudent
    In an Emergency.”
    —Emily Dickinson (1830–1886)

    “As a general rule, do not kick the shins of the opposite gentleman under the table, if personally unaquainted with him; your pleasantry is liable to be misunderstood—a circumstance at all times unpleasant.”
    —Lewis Carroll [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson] (1832–1898)

    “For I must have my lovely lady soon,
    I am a gentleman in a dustcoat trying.”
    —John Crowe Ransom (1888–1974)