gentry etymology

Etymology:

• Old French genterie, gentrie ("nobility, gentry, high class")
• From Latin gentilitas ("people of the same clan, family, or nation")
• Ultimately from Latin gens ("family, clan, tribe, nation")

Meaning:

• The social class of landed proprietors below the nobility but above the common people.
• A person belonging to the gentry.

Origin:

The term "gentry" emerged in England in the 13th century to describe the class of landowners below the nobility who held substantial estates and had the right to bear arms. Over time, the gentry became a distinct social and political class, with its own traditions, customs, and privileges.

In medieval England, the gentry included knights, esquires, gentlemen, and yeomen. They played an important role in local government and were often elected to represent their communities in Parliament. The gentry also served as military officers and played a vital role in the defense of the realm.

The gentry expanded in size and influence during the Tudor and Stuart periods (16th-17th centuries), as a result of economic growth and the rise of Protestantism. Many wealthy merchants and professionals acquired landed estates and joined the gentry. By the 18th century, the gentry had become a significant social and political force in England.

The term "gentry" is still used today to describe the upper middle class in some countries, particularly in England and the United States.

gentry relate terms

• gentle

  Etymology Middle English gentyl from Anglo French gentil from Latin gentilis from gen

• gentleman

  Etymology The word gentleman comes from the Middle English term gentilman which itse

• gentile

  Etymology The word gentile originates from the Latin word gens which means nation

• genteel

  Etymology From Middle English genteel from Anglo French gentil from Medieval Latin ge

• gentility

  Etymology Derived from the Old French word gentilesse meaning nobility of character

• gentle

  Etymology Middle English gentyl from Anglo French gentil from Latin gentilis from gen

• gentry

  Etymology Old French genterie gentrie nobility gentry high class From Latin gent

• aristocracy

  Etymology The word aristocracy comes from the Greek words aristos best most excelle

• Mohammed

• Corinthian

  Etymology The word Corinthian comes from the Ancient Greek word Κορινθιακό

• quality

  Etymology The word quality derives from the Latin word qualitas which means nature

• condition

  Etymology Middle English condicioun from Old French condicion from Latin conditio

• pyramid

  Etymology The word pyramid comes from the ancient Greek word pyramis which means fi

• denomination

  Etymology The term denomination originates from the Latin word denominare meaning t

• compound

  Etymology Compound a word formed from two or more root words or morphemes Meaning

• concept

  Concept Etymology From Latin conceptus meaning something conceived Derived from

• enterprise

  Etymology The term enterprise has its origins in the Old French word entreprendre fo