In Britain, 'gentry' is the term applied for those people who belong to the
upper class with country estates often (but non always!)
farmed on their
behalf by others, and who may be without a peerage or other hereditay title.
"Ok, Tommy darling, now that you're in London, there's a thing you must know. This isn't America...So, before we go out visiting my cockney friends, dress well,
drive on the LEFT side, mix with the local gentry, and don't crash
Tarquin's Bentley..."
"Ugh, ok, honey. I promise. Who's this
Tarquin anyway? "