Gen″try (?), 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. “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.
To show us so much gentry and good will. Shak.