gentry cove

plural gentry coves · alternative gentry cofe

1. UKobsoletethieves' cantA gentleman.

   As priest of the game, / And prelate of the same. / There's a gentry cove here.

   1621, Ben Jonson, The Gypsies Metamorphosed

   2 more examples

   'The gentry cove will be romboyled by his dam,' said a third gipsy. 'Queer Cuffin will be the word yet, if we don't tout.'

   1837, Benjamin Disraeli, chapter XIV, in Venetia

   He's a go among the goes, is Mr. Kestrel. He's only got to sport a new kind of topper, or tie his crumpler a new way, and every gentry-cove in town does just the same.

   2012, Kate Ross, A Broken Vessel