Definitions for the word "gentle" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. superl.
Well-born; of a good family or respectable birth, though not noble.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. superl.
Quiet and refined in manners; not rough, harsh, or stern; mild; meek; bland; amiable; tender; as, a gentle nature, temper, or disposition; a gentle manner; a gentle address; a gentle voice.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. superl.
A compellative of respect, consideration, or conciliation; as, gentle reader.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. superl.
Not wild, turbulent, or refractory; quiet and docile; tame; peaceable; as, a gentle horse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. superl.
Soft; not violent or rough; not strong, loud, or disturbing; easy; soothing; pacific; as, a gentle touch; a gentle gallop .
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
One well born; a gentleman.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A trained falcon. See Falcon-gentil.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A dipterous larva used as fish bait.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
To make genteel; to raise from the vulgar; to ennoble.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To make smooth, cozy, or agreeable.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
To make kind and docile, as a horse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. adj.
(gentler, gentlest) 1 not rough or severe; mild, kind (a gentle nature). 2 moderate (gentle breeze). 3 (of birth, pursuits, etc.) Honourable, of or fit for gentlefolk. 4 quiet; requiring patience (gentle art). gentleness n. Gently adv. [latin: related to *gentile]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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