Search Result for "complaisance":
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (1)

1. a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others;
[syn: complaisance, compliance, compliancy, obligingness, deference]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]