Meanings
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1
noun
a woman of high social standing or good family, or one regarded as cultured and well-mannered; old-fashioned
The novel presents her as an educated gentlewoman with limited financial independence.
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2
noun
a formal term of address for a female member of a legislative body, especially in the United States
The chair recognized the gentlewoman from California for five minutes.
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3
noun
a woman serving in personal attendance on a lady of high rank; historical
A gentlewoman attended the queen during the ceremony.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English gentil womman, modeled on gentilman and now analyzed as gentle + woman. Gentle came through Old French gentil from Latin gentilis, 'of the same clan or nation'; its association with noble birth broadened to cultured, courteous behavior.