gentle sex

alternative gentler sex

1. datedidiomaticoffensivesometimesWomen generally.

   A patriotic virago, armed with a brace of pistols, enacted prodigies; and a young man, who distinguished himself in a remarkable manner, has since proved to be of the gentle sex.

   1830, William Carpenter, Anecdotes of the French revolution, of 1830, page 49

   Synonyms: fair sex · Antonyms: stern sex, sterner sex

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see gentle, sex.