gentlewoman

English

Etymology

From Middle English gentilwoman, modelled after gentilman (gentleman), equivalent to gentle + -woman.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈdʒɛntəlˌwʊmən/

Noun

gentlewoman (plural gentlewomen)

  1. (historical) A woman of the nobility.
    • 1623, William Shakespeare, Macbeth:
      Gentlewoman: Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her night-gown upon...

Translations

See also

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