gentlenessn.

Brit.

/ˈdʒɛntlnəs/, U.S.

/ˈdʒɛn(t)əlnəs/

Forms: see gentle adj., n., and adv. and -ness suffix.

Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: gentle adj., -ness suffix.

Etymology: < gentle adj. + -ness suffix. Compare earlier gentility n.

†1. With reference to an animal: excellence of breed or stock; superiority of nature, spirit, or disposition. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > [noun] > excellence of breed

gentlenessa1398

generosity?1578

high-grade1872

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xviii. c. 1251 Þe gentilnesse of þe bole is yknowe..by sterne face and ful eeren and in hornes and in schappe disposed to fighteyng.

c1435 (c1395) G. Chaucer Squire's Tale (Sloane 1685) (1874) l. 620 No gentyllnesse [c1405 Hengwrt gentilesse] of bloode may hem [sc. birds] bynde.

1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie ii. f. 42 Plinie saith, that the Lyon is in moste gentlenesse and Nobilitie, when his necke and shoulders be healed with heare and mayne.

†2. A person's human nature. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun]

heartOE

erda1000

moodOE

i-mindOE

i-cundeOE

costc1175

lundc1175

evena1200

kinda1225

custc1275

couragec1300

the manner ofc1300

qualityc1300

talentc1330

attemperancec1374

complexionc1386

dispositiona1387

propertyc1390

naturea1393

assay1393

inclinationa1398

gentlenessa1400

proprietya1400

habitudec1400

makingc1400

conditionc1405

habitc1405

conceitc1425

affecta1460

ingeny1477

engine1488

stomach?1510

mind?a1513

ingine1533

affection1534

vein1536

humour?1563

natural1564

facultyc1565

concept1566

frame1567

temperature1583

geniusa1586

bent1587

constitution1589

composition1597

character1600

tune1600

qualification1602

infusion1604

spirits1604

dispose1609

selfness1611

disposure1613

composurea1616

racea1616

tempera1616

crasisc1616

directiona1639

grain1641

turn1647

complexure1648

genie1653

make1674

personality1710

tonea1751

bearing1795

liver1800

make-up1821

temperament1821

naturalness1850

selfhood1854

Wesen1854

naturel1856

sit1857

fibre1864

character structure1873

mentality1895

mindset1909

psyche1910

where it's (he's, she's) at1967

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 28562 Þi smale sinnes..comand of vr gentilnes.

a. The quality of being gentle in character or behaviour; (in early use) †good breeding, refinement, courtesy, politeness (obsolete); (now usually) kindness, mildness, amiableness.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > [noun] > good manners or polite behaviour > as a result of good breeding

gentilesse1340

gentryc1390

afaitementc1400

gentleness?c1400

gentility1590

breeding1600

good breeding1603

genteelism1849

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > gentleness or mildness > [noun]

sweetnessc1000

mildnessOE

lithenessc1175

mildshipa1200

softnessa1200

mildheadc1300

softheadc1350

mansuetudec1390

tendresse1390

tendernessa1400

gentleness?c1400

mansuetiea1500

suavitude1512

treatableness1526

placability1531

lenity1548

pleasableness1556

mollity1562

fair1599

lenitude1627

placableness1647

unaggressiveness1870

?c1400 tr. Secreta Secret. (Sloane) (1977) 13 (MED) Gretenes of schuldres and of rigge signyfies worthynes, gentilnes, hardynes.

a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 3746 Graunte hym a kis of gentilnysse.

a1450 (c1385) G. Chaucer Complaint of Mars (Tanner 346) (1871) l. 175 Mi lady is the verrey sours and welle Of beaute, luste, fredam, and gentylnes.

a1500 (?a1400) Morte Arthur (1903) l. 1082 His gentillnesse was all a-way, All churlysshe maners he had in wone.

1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Av^v For the straungers..what labour she of her veray gentylnes wolde take w^t them to bere them maner and company.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry V f. xxxiiij The kyng..required the prelates that if he were a straied shepe, rather by gentlenes then by rigoure to reduce hym to his olde flocke.

1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) iii. 171 Nothing maketh the servant more insolent and glorious, then ye over great gentlenesse of the maister.

1623 N. Rogers Strange Vineyard 175 I Paul my selfe beseech you by the meeknesse and gentlenesse of Christ.

1671 A. Marvell Let. 19 Jan. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 127 And had not the gentlenesse of the House prevailed one or two of their own members were in great danger.

1743 N. Appleton Several Disc. Romans VIII. xiv 152 By Gentleness we may understand..a sweet, soft, pleasant, obliging Temper.

1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1784 II. 488 His gentleness..to a young lady his god-child.

1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xvii. 36 His eloquence, his probity, and the singular gentleness of his temper and manners, had made him the favourite of the Londoners.

1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 287 He is full of gentleness, and flows on silently like a river of oil.

1920 J. Collins Idling in Italy ix. 170 These two massive volumes to testify to the kindness, gentleness, simpleness, and humility of Samuel Butler.

1988 J. Frame Carpathians xi. 72 I suspect there might be an overlooking, in the midst of such strength, of their natural talents for gentleness, delicacy, subtlety.

2014 Charleston (W. Va.) Daily Mail (Nexis) 5 Mar. p4 d He will also be remembered by many for his kindness and gentleness toward others.

b. The state or condition of being noble, illustrious, or distinguished in respect of family background or social position.Now generally considered old-fashioned and chiefly used with historical reference.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > gentry > [noun] > gentility

gentilesse1340

gentility1340

gentlenessc1425

genteelness1636

gentrice1722

ingenuousness1796

gentlehood1861

c1425 (c1375) G. Chaucer Monk's Tale (Petworth) (1872) l. 3441 No wiȝt passed hure..in lynage ne in oþer gentilnesse [c1405 Hengwrt gentilesse] Of þe kyngges blood of percy is she descended.

c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 154 (MED) But for to speke now of gentilnesse, A man þat haþ his wittes resonable..may beholde how veyn a þing it esse..If any good in gentilnesse be, It is þat nature gentil men enclyneþ, As fro þe vertues and þe honeste Of þaire auncetres, þat þei noght forleyneth.

a1500 (?c1450) Merlin vi. 99 Gentilnesse ne richesse shall haue no power a-gein the wille of Ihesu criste.

1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie f. 13 ^v Sentences concerning generositie, collected out of sundrye Aucthors, and firste certayne verses, made by G. Chaucer, teaching what is gentleness, or who is worthy to bee called gentle.

1671 F. Philipps Regale Necessarium 208 A ready way to honour and gentleness, or the bearing of armes.

?1714 N. Rowe Jane Shore ii. 23 Did not Honor, the Gentleness of Blood, and inborn Virtue..Plead in my Bosome, I should take the Forfeit.

1861 Daily News 29 Aug. 6/1 The private soldier is often, in refinement of nature and gentleness of birth, not inferior to the officer who commands him.

1911 Mod. Lang. Rev. 6 460 The whole plot of Gentleness and Nobility comes from the old woman's discussion of gentleness of birth in Chaucer's tale.

1975 Sewanee Rev. 83 255 It also has nothing to do with gentleness of birth or with any kind of inherited wealth or social position.

c. With possessive adjective, as your gentleness: a title of respect or respectful form of address given to a person of noble character or high social position. Now rare and archaic.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social class > nobility > title > title or form of address for persons of rank > [noun]

yea1225

my Lordc1300

seigniorc1330

squire1382

noblessec1390

lordship1394

grace1423

gentlenessc1425

magnificencec1425

noblenessc1425

greatness1473

worshipc1475

your mightinessa1500

excellency?1533

celsitude1535

altitude1543

Your Honour1551

sublimity1553

excellencea1592

captal1592

gentleperson1597

clemencya1600

gravity1618

grace1625

grandeur1632

eximiousness1648

professorship1656

prince1677

excellenceshipc1716

Graceship1804

seigniorship1823

valiancy1828

your seignorie1829

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 4432 (MED) Lowly beseching to ȝour gentilnes..Where ȝe fynde þat I fayle or erre, For to correcte.

a1500 (c1380) G. Chaucer Ballade on Womanly Noblesse (BL Add. 34360) (1925) l. 20 Whan that yowre gentilnesse Of my grete wo list do allegeaunce.

1568 W. Fulwood Enimie Idlenesse sig. Diii^v I receiued from youre worship a liberall presente, to wit, halfe a dosen Phesants, and a couple of Kyds. I hartily thank your gentlenesse.

a1639 S. Marmion Antiquary (1641) ii. sig. E Though I am a stranger, I would entreat your gentlenesse a favour.

1856 F. Oakeley Youthful Martyrs of Rome i. ii. 14 My noble mistress... If, obedient to your gracious word, I needs must speak the plain unvarnish'd truth, I ask your gentleness, if a poor slave, [etc.].

a1974 G. Heyer My Lord John (1975) iv. iii. 348 If it please your gentleness, come with your best speed to Westminster.

4. Moderateness in effect, intensity, action, gradient, etc.; freedom from harshness, violence, etc.; mildness, softness.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [noun] > gentleness

facility?a1425

gentleness1583

rose water1584

1583 P. Barrough Methode of Phisicke iv. vi. 183 You must cast in an easly & soft clister, that..by their gentlenes, the sharpnes of the choler which is wont to vexe & gnaw the guttes, may be stopped & broken.

1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 44 The clemencie of the hevin, and gentlenes of the wethir.

1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §610 And that (no doubt) is caused, by the Supplenesse and Gentlenesse of the Iuyce of that Plant.

1660 J. Childrey Britannia Baconica 5 Its Maritine scituation is the cause of the gentleness of the Winter.

1668 Markham's Cheape & Good Husbandry (ed. 12) i. v. 40 Having scop't him [sc. a horse] a little, walk him with all gentleness home.

1700 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana (ed. 2) i. ix. 460/1 It operates with a world of gentleness, and therefore may be given to the most delicate..Constitution.

1762 A. Dickson Treat. Agric. ii. vii. 191 The gentleness of its [sc. a plough-blade's] sloping towards the head.

1793 T. Holcroft tr. J. C. Lavater Ess. Physiognomy (abridged ed.) xxvi. 127 The gentleness of his voice [will] temper thy too-piercing tones.

1817 Trans. Geol. Soc. 4 330 It is in no respect different from many of the upper parts of the glen..except in the gentleness of its slope.

1851 J. W. Barber Hist. Coll. State of N.Y. 115 Over ridges and amorphous masses of granite and gneiss rock, flowing with comparative gentleness beneath the overarching bridge and aqueduct.

1910 L. Hearn Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan ii. 50 The gentleness, the dreamy passionlessness of those features.

1949 H. Bailey Demonstr. Physical Signs Clin. Surg. (ed. 11) xiii. 132 Palpate the inflamed breast with extreme gentleness, the object being to ascertain which portion is most indurated.

2017 Straits Times (Singapore) (Nexis) 19 Feb. I can no longer remember his precise words but I can hear the gentleness of his tone and softness of his voice.

5. In plural. Elegant things; esp. elegant ways of behaving.Apparently rare between the early 17th and mid 19th centuries.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > elegance > [noun] > elegant thing

elegancy1534

elegance1540

gentleness1616

1616 B. Jonson Epicœne iv. i, in Wks. I. 566 I loue measure i' the feet, and number i' the voice: they are gentlenesses, that oft-times draw no lesse then the face.

1851 G. Borrow Lavengro I. xxiii. 298 The decencies and gentlenesses should never be lost sight of, as the practice of the decencies and gentlenesses is at all times compatible with independence of thought and action.

1869 Morning Post 25 Nov. 3/3 The author has much belief in the old-fashioned gentlenesses and graces which were popular in women of the past periods.

1992 D. Mamet Cabin 61 It [sc. England] has its own abundant courtesies and gentlenesses, but they are different from ours over here.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2021; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	gentleness
释义	gentlenessn. Brit. /ˈdʒɛntlnəs/, U.S. /ˈdʒɛn(t)əlnəs/ Forms: see gentle adj., n., and adv. and -ness suffix. Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: gentle adj., -ness suffix. Etymology: < gentle adj. + -ness suffix. Compare earlier gentility n. †1. With reference to an animal: excellence of breed or stock; superiority of nature, spirit, or disposition. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > [noun] > excellence of breed gentlenessa1398 generosity?1578 high-grade1872 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xviii. c. 1251 Þe gentilnesse of þe bole is yknowe..by sterne face and ful eeren and in hornes and in schappe disposed to fighteyng. c1435 (c1395) G. Chaucer Squire's Tale (Sloane 1685) (1874) l. 620 No gentyllnesse [c1405 Hengwrt gentilesse] of bloode may hem [sc. birds] bynde. 1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie ii. f. 42 Plinie saith, that the Lyon is in moste gentlenesse and Nobilitie, when his necke and shoulders be healed with heare and mayne. †2. A person's human nature. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun] heartOE erda1000 moodOE i-mindOE i-cundeOE costc1175 lundc1175 evena1200 kinda1225 custc1275 couragec1300 the manner ofc1300 qualityc1300 talentc1330 attemperancec1374 complexionc1386 dispositiona1387 propertyc1390 naturea1393 assay1393 inclinationa1398 gentlenessa1400 proprietya1400 habitudec1400 makingc1400 conditionc1405 habitc1405 conceitc1425 affecta1460 ingeny1477 engine1488 stomach?1510 mind?a1513 ingine1533 affection1534 vein1536 humour?1563 natural1564 facultyc1565 concept1566 frame1567 temperature1583 geniusa1586 bent1587 constitution1589 composition1597 character1600 tune1600 qualification1602 infusion1604 spirits1604 dispose1609 selfness1611 disposure1613 composurea1616 racea1616 tempera1616 crasisc1616 directiona1639 grain1641 turn1647 complexure1648 genie1653 make1674 personality1710 tonea1751 bearing1795 liver1800 make-up1821 temperament1821 naturalness1850 selfhood1854 Wesen1854 naturel1856 sit1857 fibre1864 character structure1873 mentality1895 mindset1909 psyche1910 where it's (he's, she's) at1967 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 28562 Þi smale sinnes..comand of vr gentilnes. 3. a. The quality of being gentle in character or behaviour; (in early use) †good breeding, refinement, courtesy, politeness (obsolete); (now usually) kindness, mildness, amiableness. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > [noun] > good manners or polite behaviour > as a result of good breeding gentilesse1340 gentryc1390 afaitementc1400 gentleness?c1400 gentility1590 breeding1600 good breeding1603 genteelism1849 the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > gentleness or mildness > [noun] sweetnessc1000 mildnessOE lithenessc1175 mildshipa1200 softnessa1200 mildheadc1300 softheadc1350 mansuetudec1390 tendresse1390 tendernessa1400 gentleness?c1400 mansuetiea1500 suavitude1512 treatableness1526 placability1531 lenity1548 pleasableness1556 mollity1562 fair1599 lenitude1627 placableness1647 unaggressiveness1870 ?c1400 tr. Secreta Secret. (Sloane) (1977) 13 (MED) Gretenes of schuldres and of rigge signyfies worthynes, gentilnes, hardynes. a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 3746 Graunte hym a kis of gentilnysse. a1450 (c1385) G. Chaucer Complaint of Mars (Tanner 346) (1871) l. 175 Mi lady is the verrey sours and welle Of beaute, luste, fredam, and gentylnes. a1500 (?a1400) Morte Arthur (1903) l. 1082 His gentillnesse was all a-way, All churlysshe maners he had in wone. 1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Av^v For the straungers..what labour she of her veray gentylnes wolde take w^t them to bere them maner and company. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry V f. xxxiiij The kyng..required the prelates that if he were a straied shepe, rather by gentlenes then by rigoure to reduce hym to his olde flocke. 1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) iii. 171 Nothing maketh the servant more insolent and glorious, then ye over great gentlenesse of the maister. 1623 N. Rogers Strange Vineyard 175 I Paul my selfe beseech you by the meeknesse and gentlenesse of Christ. 1671 A. Marvell Let. 19 Jan. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 127 And had not the gentlenesse of the House prevailed one or two of their own members were in great danger. 1743 N. Appleton Several Disc. Romans VIII. xiv 152 By Gentleness we may understand..a sweet, soft, pleasant, obliging Temper. 1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1784 II. 488 His gentleness..to a young lady his god-child. 1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xvii. 36 His eloquence, his probity, and the singular gentleness of his temper and manners, had made him the favourite of the Londoners. 1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 287 He is full of gentleness, and flows on silently like a river of oil. 1920 J. Collins Idling in Italy ix. 170 These two massive volumes to testify to the kindness, gentleness, simpleness, and humility of Samuel Butler. 1988 J. Frame Carpathians xi. 72 I suspect there might be an overlooking, in the midst of such strength, of their natural talents for gentleness, delicacy, subtlety. 2014 Charleston (W. Va.) Daily Mail (Nexis) 5 Mar. p4 d He will also be remembered by many for his kindness and gentleness toward others. b. The state or condition of being noble, illustrious, or distinguished in respect of family background or social position.Now generally considered old-fashioned and chiefly used with historical reference. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > gentry > [noun] > gentility gentilesse1340 gentility1340 gentlenessc1425 genteelness1636 gentrice1722 ingenuousness1796 gentlehood1861 c1425 (c1375) G. Chaucer Monk's Tale (Petworth) (1872) l. 3441 No wiȝt passed hure..in lynage ne in oþer gentilnesse [c1405 Hengwrt gentilesse] Of þe kyngges blood of percy is she descended. c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 154 (MED) But for to speke now of gentilnesse, A man þat haþ his wittes resonable..may beholde how veyn a þing it esse..If any good in gentilnesse be, It is þat nature gentil men enclyneþ, As fro þe vertues and þe honeste Of þaire auncetres, þat þei noght forleyneth. a1500 (?c1450) Merlin vi. 99 Gentilnesse ne richesse shall haue no power a-gein the wille of Ihesu criste. 1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie f. 13 ^v Sentences concerning generositie, collected out of sundrye Aucthors, and firste certayne verses, made by G. Chaucer, teaching what is gentleness, or who is worthy to bee called gentle. 1671 F. Philipps Regale Necessarium 208 A ready way to honour and gentleness, or the bearing of armes. ?1714 N. Rowe Jane Shore ii. 23 Did not Honor, the Gentleness of Blood, and inborn Virtue..Plead in my Bosome, I should take the Forfeit. 1861 Daily News 29 Aug. 6/1 The private soldier is often, in refinement of nature and gentleness of birth, not inferior to the officer who commands him. 1911 Mod. Lang. Rev. 6 460 The whole plot of Gentleness and Nobility comes from the old woman's discussion of gentleness of birth in Chaucer's tale. 1975 Sewanee Rev. 83 255 It also has nothing to do with gentleness of birth or with any kind of inherited wealth or social position. c. With possessive adjective, as your gentleness: a title of respect or respectful form of address given to a person of noble character or high social position. Now rare and archaic. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social class > nobility > title > title or form of address for persons of rank > [noun] yea1225 my Lordc1300 seigniorc1330 squire1382 noblessec1390 lordship1394 grace1423 gentlenessc1425 magnificencec1425 noblenessc1425 greatness1473 worshipc1475 your mightinessa1500 excellency?1533 celsitude1535 altitude1543 Your Honour1551 sublimity1553 excellencea1592 captal1592 gentleperson1597 clemencya1600 gravity1618 grace1625 grandeur1632 eximiousness1648 professorship1656 prince1677 excellenceshipc1716 Graceship1804 seigniorship1823 valiancy1828 your seignorie1829 c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 4432 (MED) Lowly beseching to ȝour gentilnes..Where ȝe fynde þat I fayle or erre, For to correcte. a1500 (c1380) G. Chaucer Ballade on Womanly Noblesse (BL Add. 34360) (1925) l. 20 Whan that yowre gentilnesse Of my grete wo list do allegeaunce. 1568 W. Fulwood Enimie Idlenesse sig. Diii^v I receiued from youre worship a liberall presente, to wit, halfe a dosen Phesants, and a couple of Kyds. I hartily thank your gentlenesse. a1639 S. Marmion Antiquary (1641) ii. sig. E Though I am a stranger, I would entreat your gentlenesse a favour. 1856 F. Oakeley Youthful Martyrs of Rome i. ii. 14 My noble mistress... If, obedient to your gracious word, I needs must speak the plain unvarnish'd truth, I ask your gentleness, if a poor slave, [etc.]. a1974 G. Heyer My Lord John (1975) iv. iii. 348 If it please your gentleness, come with your best speed to Westminster. 4. Moderateness in effect, intensity, action, gradient, etc.; freedom from harshness, violence, etc.; mildness, softness. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [noun] > gentleness facility?a1425 gentleness1583 rose water1584 1583 P. Barrough Methode of Phisicke iv. vi. 183 You must cast in an easly & soft clister, that..by their gentlenes, the sharpnes of the choler which is wont to vexe & gnaw the guttes, may be stopped & broken. 1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 44 The clemencie of the hevin, and gentlenes of the wethir. 1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §610 And that (no doubt) is caused, by the Supplenesse and Gentlenesse of the Iuyce of that Plant. 1660 J. Childrey Britannia Baconica 5 Its Maritine scituation is the cause of the gentleness of the Winter. 1668 Markham's Cheape & Good Husbandry (ed. 12) i. v. 40 Having scop't him [sc. a horse] a little, walk him with all gentleness home. 1700 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana (ed. 2) i. ix. 460/1 It operates with a world of gentleness, and therefore may be given to the most delicate..Constitution. 1762 A. Dickson Treat. Agric. ii. vii. 191 The gentleness of its [sc. a plough-blade's] sloping towards the head. 1793 T. Holcroft tr. J. C. Lavater Ess. Physiognomy (abridged ed.) xxvi. 127 The gentleness of his voice [will] temper thy too-piercing tones. 1817 Trans. Geol. Soc. 4 330 It is in no respect different from many of the upper parts of the glen..except in the gentleness of its slope. 1851 J. W. Barber Hist. Coll. State of N.Y. 115 Over ridges and amorphous masses of granite and gneiss rock, flowing with comparative gentleness beneath the overarching bridge and aqueduct. 1910 L. Hearn Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan ii. 50 The gentleness, the dreamy passionlessness of those features. 1949 H. Bailey Demonstr. Physical Signs Clin. Surg. (ed. 11) xiii. 132 Palpate the inflamed breast with extreme gentleness, the object being to ascertain which portion is most indurated. 2017 Straits Times (Singapore) (Nexis) 19 Feb. I can no longer remember his precise words but I can hear the gentleness of his tone and softness of his voice. 5. In plural. Elegant things; esp. elegant ways of behaving.Apparently rare between the early 17th and mid 19th centuries. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > elegance > [noun] > elegant thing elegancy1534 elegance1540 gentleness1616 1616 B. Jonson Epicœne iv. i, in Wks. I. 566 I loue measure i' the feet, and number i' the voice: they are gentlenesses, that oft-times draw no lesse then the face. View more context for this quotation 1851 G. Borrow Lavengro I. xxiii. 298 The decencies and gentlenesses should never be lost sight of, as the practice of the decencies and gentlenesses is at all times compatible with independence of thought and action. 1869 Morning Post 25 Nov. 3/3 The author has much belief in the old-fashioned gentlenesses and graces which were popular in women of the past periods. 1992 D. Mamet Cabin 61 It [sc. England] has its own abundant courtesies and gentlenesses, but they are different from ours over here. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2021; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.a1398
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