In English law. A person of superior birth.
Under the denomination of “gentlemen” are comprised all above yeoman; whereby noblemen are truly called “gentlemen.” Smith de Bep. Ang. lib, 1. cc 20, 21.
A “gentleman” is defined to be one who, without any title, bears a coat of arms, or whose ancestors have been freemen; and, by the coat that a gentleman giveth, he is known to be, or not to be, descended from those of his name that lived many hundred years since. Jacob. See Cresson v. Cresson, 6 Fed. Cas. 809.