gentle or simple

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Of any social standing.

   • She is the sweetest-tempered, honestest, worthiest, young creature ; indeed, as to her beauty, I do not commend her on that account, though all men allow she is the handsomest woman, gentle or simple, that ever appeared in the parish.
   • Reader, gentle or simple, or whatever you be, how impatiently by this time must you expect this Preface, supposing it to be nothing but revengeful Invectives against the Author of the second Don Quixote.
   • When a maiden, gentle or simple, intendeth marriage against her kinsmen's wishes, it is the way to wed first, and to write the letter and ask the blessing when the evil is done."
2. 2

   All people, of any social standing.

   • And who is there amongst the gentle or simple that ever heard my name, that would bring me a cup of butter-milk, though they knew that I was parched with thirst ; or a morsel of bread if I were dying of hunger?
   • Gentle or simple, man or woman, never came in for flattery at his hand, and hence his criticism of Lady Charlotte's work is worth pages of eulogistic comment.

The neighborhood