Gentlelady vs. Gentlewoman — What's the Difference?

(US) A form of address for a woman. Also a reference to a female member of a legislature.

A gentlewoman (from the Latin gentilis, belonging to a gens, and English 'woman') in the original and strict sense is a woman of good family, analogous to the Latin generosus and generosa. The closely related English word "gentry" derives from the Old French genterise, gentelise, with much of the meaning of the French noblesse and the German Adel, but without the strict technical requirements of those traditions, such as quarters of nobility.

A woman of gentle or noble birth or superior social position.

A well-mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior.

A woman acting as a personal attendant to a lady of rank.

(historical) A woman of the nobility.

A female member of a legislature, especially a female member of a House of Representatives.

A woman of good family or of good breeding; a woman above the vulgar.

A woman who attends a lady of high rank.

A woman of refinement;