Definition: A man of gentle but not noble birth, particularly a man of means (originally ownership of property) who does not work for a living but has no official status in a peerage; an armiferous man ranking below a knight.

Alright class, settle down now, let’s take a look at this word – “gentleman.” Now, the dictionary gives us a rather long and formal definition, doesn't it? Let’s break it down piece by piece. It tells us that originally, being a gentleman wasn't about titles or fancy robes, you see. It was more about where you came from – a family with land and possessions, a comfortable life without needing to toil for your keep. Think of it like this: a ‘gentleman’ used to be someone who didn’t have to work; they were supported by their family's wealth. It was about owning property - fields, houses, things like that – and having a certain level of respectability. Then the definition adds in "armiferous man ranking below a knight." This is an older term referring to someone who could afford to equip themselves for battle – armour, swords, shields! It meant they had the resources to defend themselves and their property. But today, the meaning has shifted a little. While it still carries some of those old ideas about character and respectability - behaving with courtesy and kindness – it’s not quite as tied to wealth or status anymore. Essentially, we now consider a ‘gentleman’ someone who embodies good manners, honesty, and consideration for others. Someone who acts with grace and dignity, regardless of their profession or fortune. Think about it: Does being a “gentleman” require owning property? No! It’s more about how you behave . Does anyone have any questions about this definition, or perhaps want to think about what qualities might make someone a true gentleman in our time? Let's discuss!