gentilesse

[ jen-tl-es, jen-tl-es ]

noun

1. the quality of being gentle.

gentilesse

/ ˈdʒɛntəˌlɛs /

noun

1. archaic.
   politeness or good breeding

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentilesse¹

1300–50; Middle English < Middle French gentillesse, equivalent to gentil ( genteel, gentle ) + -esse noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentilesse¹

C14: from Old French gentillesse; see genteel

Example Sentences

It’s for grammatical consistency, not beauty or gentilesse, for example, that correct English has us say “It was he” instead of “It was him.”

From The New Yorker

Gentilesse′, the quality of being gentle, courtesy.—v.t.

From Project Gutenberg

As to the connexion of “gentilesse” with the official grant or recognition of coat-armour, that is a profitable fiction invented and upheld by the heralds; for coat-armour was but the badge assumed by gentlemen to distinguish them in battle, and many gentlemen of long descent never had occasion to assume it, and never did.

From Project Gutenberg

The 'cours d'amour, parlements d'amour, ou de courtoisie et de gentilesse,' had much more of love than of courtesy and gentleness.

From Project Gutenberg

Crist wol, we clayme of him our gentilesse, Nat of our eldres for hir old richesse.

From Project Gutenberg