complaisance Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
    deference; obligingness; compliance; compliancy.

WordNet


Com"plai*sance` noun
Etymology
F. complaisance. See Complaisant, and cf. Complacence.
Definitions
  1. 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.
    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.

Webster 1913