gentilesse Obs. exc. arch.
(ˌdʒɛntɪˈlɛs)
[ad. F. gentillesse, f. gentil: see genteel, gentle.]
1. The quality of being gentle; courtesy, politeness, good breeding; an instance of courtesy. Frequent in Chaucer, esp. in phrases of gentilesse, for gentilesse, through (one's) gentilesse.
| 1340 Ayenb. 89 Þet is þe gratteste noblesse and þe heȝeste gentilesse þet me may to hopye: and cliue. c 1386 Chaucer Clerk's T. 537 This child to fostre in alle gentillesse. 1390 Gower Conf. III. 299 And of his grete gentilesse His doughter..He bad to go on his message. ? c 1460 Stans Puer 65 in Babees Bk. 30 Whereso euer that thow dyne or soupe, Of gentilesse take salt withe thy knyf. c 1500 Lancelot 1847 Many o cetee..offerith them with-outen strok of spere..But only for his gentilles that thei Have hard. 1647 Clarendon Hist. Reb. i. §151 Who out of their gentilesses had submitted the difficulties and mysteries of the law to be measured by the standard of general reason. 1655 tr. De Parc's Francion i. 19 This pretty Confidence, and the Gentilesses she entertained me with..took me exceedingly. 1670 Moral State Eng. 145 This new Flame..spurred on the Youth to little Gallantries, and Gentilesses. [1801 Wordsw. Cuckoo & Night. xxxi, All gentiless and honour thence come forth.] 1881 E. Arnold Ind. Poetry 119 ‘God shield you!’ said the knight and dame. And Saladin, with phrase of gentilesse Returned. |
b. transf. Of a graft: The fact of coming from a good stock.
| c 1450 Pallad. on Husb. xi. 28 (Colchester MS.) This is a preef of graffes gentillesse. |
2. Slenderness; elegance.
| c 1386 Chaucer Sqr.'s T. 418 A ffaucon..of fairnesse, As wel of plumage as of gentillesse Of shape. |