Adjective

(er)

Tender and amiable; of a considerate or kindly disposition.

Soft and mild rather than hard or severe.

*{{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham)

, title=(The China Governess) , chapter=3 citation , passage=Here the stripped panelling was warmly gold and the pictures, mostly of the English school, were mellow and gentle in the afternoon light.}}

Docile and easily managed.

a gentle horse

Gradual rather than steep or sudden.

Polite and respectful rather than rude.

(archaic) Well-born; of a good family or respectable birth, though not noble.

* Johnson's Cyc.

British society is divided into nobility, gentry, and yeomanry, and families are either noble, gentle , or simple.

* Milton

the studies wherein our noble and gentle youth ought to bestow their time

Adjective

(er)

Lacking in courage or confidence.

*{{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)

, chapter=19 citation , passage=When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him. […]. The captive made no resistance and came not only quietly but in a series of eager little rushes like a timid dog on a choke chain.}}