The word genteel means well mannered or pretentious. In the term "genteel servants", this would mean someone that serves another in a well mannered way.
genteel realism
The king was from a genteel family.
Genteel poverty is the condition of well bred, generally well-educated people who have little money, like a retired vicar on a fixed income.
He's not genteel, but he's courteous.
Strictly Genteel was created in 1997-05.
Her old-fashioned mannerisms made me think she was a genteel woman.
The correct phrase is "Have you had (an) elegant sufficiency?"It is a refinement of "Have you had sufficient/enough?"EXAMPLE OF USAGEAfter serving a meal and the guests have eaten, the host might ask "Have you had elegant sufficiency?" meaning 'Was that meal adequate for you, or would you like some more?'However, in contrast with the direct enquiry, 'Have you had enough?' -which communicates all sorts of messages!- use of the phrase 'elegant sufficiency' carries the notion of a 'refined and selective sense of appropriateness under the circumstances.'ORIGINSThe expression elegant sufficiency dates back over two hundred years. An often cited early reference is the line by James Thomson (1700-1748): "An elegant sufficiency, content, ..." (cited by The Imperial Dictionary, 1878)This quote is from Thomson's work "The Seasons. Spring,"which, starting from line 1158, says..."An elegant sufficiency, content,Retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books,Ease and alternate labour, useful life,Progressive virtue, and approving Heaven!"IN DUE COURSE, in Victorian/Edwardian times, the phrase elegant sufficiency was adopted into polite table-manners:"I have reached an elegant sufficiency and anything additional would be superfluous." -Wordnik.comTODAY, the expression 'elegant sufficiency', used with due grace and sincerity, might sound very formal and ostentatious.So, if, with appropriate aplomb, you DO say to someone "Have you had elegant sufficiency?", they might look askance at you. But when they realise what you actually mean, your exceptionally genteel speech will doubtless also raise a wry and knowing smile!For more information, see Related links below.
My friend hunts with sufficiency. I play games with extraordinary sufficiency. A boxer must have a sufficiency in balance. To be a math teacher, you must have sufficiency with algebra. (sufficiency is how well you are at something; one who is good at something) Example : Michal Phelps swims sufficiently.
Beautiful, tasteful, exquisite, august, aristocratic, opulent, noble, majestic, genteel, dignified...
Lady Diana's genteel manner and appearance seemed to come naturally to her. Scarlett O' Hara was nothing like other women in the deep south who were known for their impeccable manners and genteel elegance.
The word 'sufficiency' is the noun form of the verb to suffice.