gentilly

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English

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Etymology

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From Middle English gentilly, equivalent to gentle +‎ -ly.

Adverb

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gentilly (comparative more gentilly, superlative most gentilly)

  1. (Early Modern) Obsolete spelling of gently.

Middle English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From gentil +‎ -ly; see further at gentle.

Adverb

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gentilly

  1. Like a member of the gentry: in the manner of someone of gentle birth.
    • 15th c., Anonymous, Sir Gowther, in 1995, Anne Laskaya, Eve Salisbury (eds.), "The Middle English Breton lays", Kalamazoo, Michigan: Medieval Institute Publications pp. 263-307, ll. 39-45.
      A mangere con thei make;
      Knyghtus of honowr tho furst dey
      Justyd gently hom to pley
      Here shaftes gan thei shake.
      On the morow the lordes gente
      Made a riall tournement
      For that lady sake;
      They made a feast. That first day, honorable knights jousted like gentlemen homeward to the contest, and began to shatter their lances. The next day the gentle lords made a royal tournament for the lady's sake.
  2. (by extension) In a manner that reflects the virtues or customs associated with those of gentle birth: generously, courteously, gracefully, nobly, etc.

Descendants

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  • English: gently