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Webster 1913 Edition


Complaisance

Com′plai-sanceˊ

(?; 277)
,
Noun.
[F.
complaisance
. See
Complaisant
, and cf.
Complacence
.]
Disposition to please or oblige; obliging compliance with the wishes of others; a deportment indicative of a desire to please; courtesy; civility.
These [ladies] . . . are by the just
complaisance
and gallantry of our nation the most powerful part of our people.
Addison.
Syn. – Civility; courtesy; urbanity; suavity; affability; good breeding.

Webster 1828 Edition


Complaisance

COMPLAISANCE

, n.
1.
A pleasing deportment; courtesy; that manner of address and behavior in social intercourse which gives pleasure; civility; obliging condescension; kind and affable reception and treatment of guests; exterior acts of civility; as, the gentleman received us with complaisance.
2.
Condescension; obliging compliance with the wishes or humors of others.
In complaisance poor Cupid mourned.
3.
Desire of pleasing; disposition to oblige; the principle for the act.
Your complaisance will not permit your guests to be incommoded.

Definition 2024


complaisance

complaisance

English

Alternative forms

Noun

complaisance (countable and uncountable, plural complaisances)

  1. The quality of being complaisant, amiable or agreeable.
    • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
      It is no wonder that in an age when this kind of merit is so little in fashion, and so slenderly provided for, persons possessed of it should very eagerly flock to a place where they were sure of being received with great complaisance; indeed, where they might enjoy almost the same advantages of a liberal fortune as if they were entitled to it in their own right.

Translations


French

Pronunciation

Noun

complaisance f (plural complaisances)

  1. kindness
  2. complacency
  3. indulgence