complaisance

Noun
Synonyms: compliancecompliancyobligingnessdeference

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of othersSynonyms: compliancecompliancyobligingnessdeference
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Complaisance \Com"plai*sance`\ (?; 277), n. [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. [1913 Webster]

These [ladies] . . . are by the just complaisance and gallantry of our nation the most powerful part of our people. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

They strive with their own hearts and keep them down, In complaisance to all the fools in town. --Young.

Syn: Civility; courtesy; urbanity; suavity; affability; good breeding. [1913 Webster]

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