What is "walking gentleman"

Walking \Walk"ing\, a. & n. from Walk, v. Walking beam. See Beam, 10. Walking crane, a kind of traveling crane. See under Crane. Walking fern. (Bot.) See Walking leaf, below. Walking fish (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of Asiatic fishes of the genus Ophiocephalus, some of which, as Ophiocephalus marulius, become over four feet long. They have a special cavity over the gills lined with a membrane adapted to retain moisture to aid in respiration, and are thus able to travel considerable distances over the land at night, whence the name. They construct a curious nest for their young. Called also langya. Walking gentleman (Theater), an actor who usually fills subordinate parts which require a gentlemanly appearance but few words. [Cant] Walking lady (Theater), an actress who usually fills such parts as require only a ladylike appearance on the stage. Walking leaf.

1. (Bot.) A little American fern ( Camptosorus rhizophyllus); -- so called because the fronds taper into slender prolongations which often root at the apex, thus producing new plants.

2. (Zo["o]l.) A leaf insect. See under Leaf. Walking papers, or Walking ticket, an order to leave; dismissal, as from office; as, to get one's walking papers, i. e. to be dismissed or fired. [Colloq.] --Bartlett. Walking stick.

   1. A stick or staff carried in the hand for hand for support or amusement when walking; a cane.

   2. (Zo["o]l.) A stick insect; -- called also walking straw. See Illust. of Stick insect, under Stick.

      Walking wheel (Mach.), a prime mover consisting of a wheel driven by the weight of men or animals walking either in it or on it; a treadwheel.

n. (context theatre slang dated English) A male actor who usually fills subordinate parts which require a gentlemanly appearance but few words.