Definition

Noun: 1. A woman of refinement and good manners: A gentlewoman is a woman who is polite, cultured, and well-educated, often associated with high social standing or gracious behavior. 2. (Historical) A woman of noble or gentle birth: In historical contexts, it refers to a woman belonging to a family of high social rank, especially one not of the titled nobility. 3. (Archaic) A female attendant to a lady of rank: An older, now largely obsolete meaning referring to a woman who served as a personal maid or companion to a noblewoman.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She conducted herself with the poise and dignity of a true gentlewoman.
  • In the 18th century, a gentlewoman might manage a large household.
  • (Archaic) The queen was accompanied by her gentlewoman.

Advanced Usage

• "A gentlewoman's agreement": An informal agreement or arrangement based on trust and honor rather than a legal contract, analogous to a "gentleman's agreement."
  • We sealed the deal with a handshake and a gentlewoman's agreement.

Variants and Related Words

• Gentlewomanly (adjective): Characteristic of or befitting a gentlewoman.
  • Her gentlewomanly demeanor put everyone at ease.
• Gentlewomanliness (noun): The quality of being like a gentlewoman.

Synonyms

• Lady: A woman of good family or refined manners.
• Dame: (Formal or historical) A woman of rank, station, or authority.
• Noblewoman: A woman who is a member of the nobility.

Antonyms

• Commoner: A person without noble rank or title.
• Boor: A rough and bad-mannered person.

Related Idioms

• "To be no gentlewoman": (Archaic/Informal) To be a woman of coarse or vulgar manners.
  • Her loud and brash behavior showed she was no gentlewoman.

Noun

1. a woman of refinement
   • a chauffeur opened the door of the limousine for the grand lady