Gentleman - Shinshi

A title for nobles who are of good character and conduct, well-mannered, and highly educated. It is an abbreviation of "shinshin no shi," with "shin" meaning to insert and "shin" meaning the large sash worn in formal attire, and it became a title for nobles because high-ranking officials inserted a scepter into their large sash when wearing formal attire. It later became a translation of the English word "gentleman" and the opposite of "lady," referring to men of high society, status, and wealth, and furthermore, it became a title for men in general who are intelligent, cultured, and know good manners and integrity.

[Toshihiko Uda]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

性質や品行が正しく、礼儀に厚く、学徳の高い貴人の称。「縉紳(しんしん)の士」の略で、「縉」は差し挟むこと、「紳」は衣冠束帯の大帯(おおおび)の意で、官位の高い身分ある人は、礼装の際に笏(しゃく)を大帯に差し挟んだところから、貴人の称となった。転じて、英語のジェントルマンgentlemanの訳語として、淑女（レディーlady）の対語となり、上流社会や地位、財産のある男性をいい、さらには、知性や教養が豊かで、礼節や信義をわきまえた男性一般の称となった。

［宇田敏彦］

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