gentlewomen
Women of breeding
Gentlewomen is the plural of gentlewoman—a woman of good social standing or refined manners.
The term is archaic, surviving mainly in historical contexts or formal address: Ladies and gentlewomen of the court.
It parallels gentlemen as the female equivalent, though it never achieved the same common usage.
Titled ruling class
- peerageSystem of noble ranks
- noblewomenWomen of aristocratic rank
- ladyshipAristocratic woman's title
- duchessWoman of ducal rank
countess · baroness · viscountess · marquise · highborn · blueblood · landed · manor
Customs of polite conduct
- politeShowing good manners
- graciousPleasantly kind and courteous
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
respectful · cordial · tactful · considerate · deferential · affable · obliging · propriety
Improved through nurture
- elegantGracefully refined, tasteful
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- well-bredHaving good upbringing
genteel · graceful · dignified · tasteful · accomplished · decorous · courtly · finishing school
nobility
Titled ruling class
- peerageSystem of noble ranks
- noblewomenWomen of aristocratic rank
- ladyshipAristocratic woman's title
duchess · countess · baroness · viscountess · marquise · highborn · blueblood · landed · manor · estate
manners
Customs of polite conduct
etiquette · respectful · cordial · tactful · considerate · deferential · affable · obliging · propriety · decorum
cultivated
Improved through nurture
- elegantGracefully refined, tasteful
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
well-bred · genteel · graceful · dignified · tasteful · accomplished · decorous · courtly · finishing school · deportment
Austen
Literary family name
chivalric · romance · heroine · society · suitor · calling card · carriage · ball · assembly · correspondence
- historical womenCleopatra, Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Marie Curie