Cŏm'plai-sănce', n.

(kŏm'pla-zăns'), n. [Fr. complaisance, from complaisant, p. pr. of complaire. See COMPLACENT.] A deportment indicative of a desire to please; obliging compliance with the wishes of others; courtesy; civility.

These [ladies] compose half the world, and 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.

Synonyms—Civility; courtesy; urbanity; suavity; affability; good-breeding.