gentle sex

American  

Or gentler sex

noun

Older Use: Sometimes Offensive.

1. women in general (usually used facetiously).

   courtesy toward the gentle sex.

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Sensitive Note

This is a dated term, usually used for humorous effect but sometimes perceived as condescending to women. It makes reference to a stereotype of women’s basic nature, namely that women are gentle in comparison to men.

Etymology

Origin of gentle sex

First recorded in 1575–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gentle sex

My fellow-voyagers were mostly French, some of them of the gentle sex, and chattered like pies until they fell asleep.

From Romantic Spain A Record of Personal Experiences (Vol. II) by John Augustus O'Shea

I fill this cup to one made up Of loveliness alone,— A woman, of her gentle sex The seeming paragon.

From The Golden Treasury of American Songs and Lyrics by Frederic Lawrence Knowles

Oh how little do we know of those rapid lights and shadows which shift and tremble across the spirits of the gentle sex, when approaching to hold this tender communion with those whom they love.

From Jane Sinclair; Or, The Fawn Of Springvale The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by William Carleton

As a lady's companion he is hard to beat; indeed, a glance at any show catalogue will prove that the majority of Borzois are owned by the gentle sex.

From Dogs and All about Them by Robert Leighton

Oh! by the mildness of thy gentle sex, Attend my prayer.

From Maid of Orleans by Friedrich Schiller