Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GENTEELITY, n. A Sc. form and usage of Eng. gentility. See P.L.D. § 45.

1. As in Eng. Gen.Sc., obsol.Sc. 1819 Scott Leg. Montrose ii.:
If ye speak this in the way of vituperation, as meaning to impugn my honour or genteelity.Lth. 1914 C. P. Slater Marget Pow ix.:
It's ower much to pay for genteelity, I would think.

2. Gentlefolk, people of gentle birth (Sh.¹⁰, wm.Sc.¹, Arg.³ rare, Uls.⁴ 1954). Sometimes in pl. Obs. in Eng. since early 17th c. in this sense.Gall. 1901 Trotter Gall. Gossip 1:
For the half o' the natives wus Eerish . . . an' the lave o' them wus gentilities yt keepit him rinnin' efter them nicht an' day.