First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
gentry
noun gen·try \ˈjen-trē\
plural gentries
Definition of GENTRY
1
2
a : upper or ruling class : aristocracy b : a class whose members are entitled to bear a coat of arms though not of noble rank; especially : the landed proprietors having such status
3
: people of a specified class or kind : folks <no real heroes or heroines among the academic gentry — R. G. Hanvey>
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Origin of GENTRY
Middle English gentrie, alteration of gentrise
Related to GENTRY
- Synonyms
- elite, gentility, gentlefolk (also gentlefolks), aristocracy, nobility, patriciate, quality, upper class, upper crust
- Antonyms
- proletarians, proletariat
GENTRY Defined for Kids
gentry
noun gen·try \ˈjen-trē\
Definition of GENTRY for Kids
: people of high social status
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