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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.