(from the root of *gens*, a family), a designation which in its most extended sense comprehends every man (whether titled or untitled) whose condition is above that of a yeoman. In a more limited sense it denotes one without a title who bears a coat of arms, or whose ancestors have been freemen. By courtesy, however, this title is generally accorded to all persons above the rank of common tradesmen when their manners and deportment are indicative of a certain amount of refinement and intelligence. But in its best and highest sense, this word is used to denote one who not only does what is right and just, but whose conduct is regulated by a true principle of honour, which springs from that self-respect and intellectual refinement which manifest themselves in unconstrained yet delicate manners.

The word is a synonym of the French *gentilhomme*, with the substitution of the Saxon *man* for the corresponding term of the Norman French. This again is from the Latin *gentilis homo*, which was used by the Romans to signify one who belonged to a *gens* or family. The meaning of this term is explained by Cicero (*Top.* vi.) as follows:—

*Gentiles sunt, qui inter se codem sunt nomine, ab ingenuis oriundi, quorum majorum nemo servitutem servit, qui capit non sunt diminuti.*

The word gentleman, as connected with *gentilis*, has its equivalent in most of the languages of western Europe that are derived from the Latin. Thus in Italian it is *gentiluomo*; and the Spanish has *gentil hombre*, though the equivalent term in that language is rather *hidalgos* or hijo d'alga, i.e. the son of somebody, or a person of note. Some have maintained that the word is derived from *gentilis* in the sense of *pagan*; and that the ancient Franks when they conquered Gaul, which had been converted to Christianity, were called by the natives *gentiles* as being yet heathens. Others state, that in the decline of the Roman empire, as recorded by Ammianus Marcellinus, there were two companies of soldiers distinguished for their valour, the *gentiles* and the *scutarii*,—and that hence we derive the terms *gentleman* and *esquire*: to which opinion Pasquier inclines, especially as it was to these brave soldiers that the principal portions of land were assigned.

**Gentleman-Usher to the Black Rod**, an officer belonging to the Garter, and chief usher to the sovereign. It is his duty to attend the House of Peers during the sitting of parliament, to regulate the ceremonial forms of the house, and to carry messages to the Commons. He has no fixed salary, but derives his emoluments from fees regulated by the house. He has also the appointment of the doorkeepers, messengers, and other servants of the house.

**Gentlemen-Pensioners**, a band of forty gentlemen, instituted by Henry VIII. in 1509, to form a guard to the royal person to and from the chapel-royal, and on other occasions of solemnity. In 1834 this corps resumed, by royal command, its ancient title of "The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms"; and it was further ordered, that the appointments should be made exclusively by the Gentoos sovereign, from lists kept by the commander-in-chief, and on his recommendation, and that none should be eligible but officers of the army or marines, who should also be allowed to enjoy their half-pay along with their salaries. These appointments are placed on the same footing with respect to purchase, and vacancies by death, as commissions in the army. The corps consists of the captain with a salary of £1,000 a-year, the lieutenant with £500, the standard-bearer with £310, the clerk of the cheque with £120, and of forty gentlemen who are entitled esquires and receive £70 each per annum. They form a body-guard to the sovereign; but their duty is now chiefly confined to an attendance at drawing-rooms, levees, coronations, and other state ceremonies. (Official Handbook, Lond., 1855.)