gentry

n. [ OE. genterie, gentrie, noble birth, nobility, cf. gentrise, and OF. gentelise, genterise, E. gentilesse, also OE. genteleri high-mindedness. See Gent, a., Gentle, a. ] 1. Birth; condition; rank by birth. [ Obs. ] “Pride of gentrie.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

She conquers him by high almighty Jove,
By knighthood, gentry, and sweet friendship's oath. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. People of education and good breeding; in England, in a restricted sense, those between the nobility and the yeomanry. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Courtesy; civility; complaisance. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

To show us so much gentry and good will. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]