1. makes or becomes gentle, mild, or calm
Usage: third person singular present

1. people of gentle birth or high social rank
Usage: archaic; plural

Examples

• The trainer gentles the wild horse with patience and care.
• Music gentles the savage beast, as the saying goes.
• She gentles her voice when speaking to the frightened child.
• The warm bath gentles her tired muscles.
• In medieval times, the gentles lived in castles while commoners worked the land.
• The gentles were expected to display proper manners and education.