gentilesse

[ jen-tl-es, jen-tl-es ]

/ ˈdʒɛn tlˌɛs, ˌdʒɛn tlˈɛs /

the quality of being gentle.

Origin of gentilesse

1300–50; Middle English < Middle French gentillesse, equivalent to gentil (see genteel, gentle) + -esse noun suffix

See remarks (in the notes) on Chaucer's Balade of Gentilesse.

Chaucer's Works, Volume 2 (of 7) |Geoffrey Chaucer
To which add, as a twenty-third, the three stanzas on Gentilesse quoted in Scogan's poem (no. 33).

Chaucer's Works, Volume 5 (of 7) -- Notes to the Canterbury Tales |Geoffrey Chaucer
For it seme at gentilesse be a maner preysynge at come of decert of auncestres.

Chaucer's Translation of Boethius's 'De Consolatione Philosophiae' |Geoffrey Chaucer
The first line means—'With regard to, or As to the first stock (or source), who was the father of gentilesse.'

Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 (of 7) -- Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems |Geoffrey Chaucer

For if e name of gentilesse be referred to renoun and clernesse of linage.

Chaucer's Translation of Boethius's 'De Consolatione Philosophiae' |Geoffrey Chaucer

gentilesse

/ (ˈdʒɛntəˌlɛs) /

archaic politeness or good breeding

C14: from Old French gentillesse; see genteel