GENTILE, in the Roman law and history, a name which sometimes expresses what the Romans otherwise called barbarians, whether they were allies of Rome or not: but this word was used in a more particular sense for all strangers and foreigners not subject to the Roman empire.
GENTLEMAN-USHER of the black rod. See ROD.
GENTLEMEN of the chapel, officers whose duty and attendance is in the royal chapel, being in number thirty-two, whereof twelve are priests; the other twenty, commonly called clerks of the chapel, assist in the performance of divine service. One of the first twelve is chosen for confessor of the household, whose office it is to read prayers every morning to the household servants, to visit the sick, examine and prepare communicants, and administer the sacrament.
One of twenty clerks, well versed in music, is chosen first
first organist, who is master of the children, to instruct them in music, and whatever else is necessary for the service of the chapel; a second is likewise an organist; a third, a lutanist; and a fourth, a violist.
There are likewise three vergers, so called from the silver-rods they carry in their hands; being a serjeant, a yeoman, and groom of the vestry; the first attends the dean and sub-dean, and finds surplices and other necessaries for the chapel; the second has the whole care of the chapel, keeps the pews, and seats the nobility and gentry; the groom has his attendance within the chapel-door, and looks after it.