gentlewoman

From Middle English gentilwoman, modelled after gentilman (“gentleman”), equivalent to gentle +‎ -woman.

• IPA^(key): /ˈd͡ʒɛn.təlˌwʊm.ən/

• Audio (US):

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gentlewoman (plural gentlewomen)

1. (historical) A woman of the nobility.
   • c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:

     Gentlewoman: Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her night-gown upon […]

2. (US, politics) A female member of a legislature, especially a female member of a House of Representatives.
   • 1998 December 11, “GENTLEWOMEN AND GENTLEMEN DON'T SAY 'LADY'”, in Daily Press‎^[1]:

     'The gentlewoman from California.' Or 'the gentlewoman from Texas.' Gentlewoman?

• gentleman
• gentlelady