gentility Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression
    breeding; genteelness.

WordNet

Gen*til"i*ty noun
Etymology
L. gentilitas the relationship of those who belong to the same clan, also, heathenism: cf. F. gentilité heathenism. See Gentile.
Definitions
  1. Good extraction; dignity of birth. Macaulay.
    He . . . mines my gentility with my education. Shak.
  2. The quality or qualities appropriate to those who are well born, as self-respect, dignity, courage, courtesy, politeness of manner, a graceful and easy mien and behavior, etc.; good breeding.
  3. The class in society who are, or are expected to be, genteel; the gentry. R. Sir J. Davies.
  4. Paganism; heathenism. Obs. Hooker.

Webster 1913