gentry Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the most powerful members of a society
    aristocracy.

WordNet

Gen"try noun
Etymology
OE. genterie, gentrie, noble birth, nobility, cf. gentrise, and OF. gentelise, genterise, E. gentilesse, also OE. genteleri high-mindedness. See Gent, a., Gentle, a.
Definitions
  1. Birth; condition; rank by birth. Obs. "Pride of gentrie." Chaucer.
    She conquers him by high almighty Jove, By knighthood, gentry, and sweet friendship's oath. Shak.
  2. People of education and good breeding; in England, in a restricted sense, those between the nobility and the yeomanry. Macaulay.
  3. Courtesy; civility; complaisance. Obs.
    To show us so much gentry and good will. Shak.

Webster 1913