ˈdʒentl adj.,
v., & n. --adj. (gentler, gentlest) 1
not rough;
mild or kind,
esp. in
temperament. 2
moderate; not
severe or
drastic (a gentle
rebuke; a gentle breeze). 3 (of
birth, pursuits, etc.)
honourable, of or fit
for people of
good social position. 4
quiet; requiring
patience (gentle art). 5
archaic generous,
courteous. --v.tr. 1
make gentle or
docile. 2
handle (a
horse etc.) firmly but gently. --n. a
maggot,
the larva of the meat-fly or
bluebottle used as fishing-bait. øøgentleness n. gently adv. [ME f. OF gentil f. L gentilis: see GENTILE]