The term "gentry" refers to a social class that is typically composed of landowners who do not hold noble titles. Historically, gentry members were often wealthy individuals who owned large estates and played significant roles in local governance and society. They were considered above the common people but below the nobility, forming a distinct social layer in many cultures. In England, the gentry included families with titles such as esquire or gentleman, and they often had significant influence in political and economic matters. The rise of the gentry was particularly notable during the Tudor and Stuart periods, as they contributed to the development of a more structured social hierarchy.