Po-līte'ness, n.
n. 1. The state or quality of being polite; polish or elegance of manners; gentility; good breeding; courteousness; complaisance; obliging attentions.
Sense 2. Rare finish; elegance. [Obs.] “Renowned for the politeness of the character and editions of what he has published.” Evelyn.
Synonyms—Courtesy; good breeding; refinement; urbanity; courteousness; affability; complaisance; civility; gentility; courtliness.—POLITENESS, COURTESY. Politeness denotes that ease and gracefulness of manners which first sprung up in cities, connected with a desire to please others by anticipating their wants and wishes, and studiously avoiding whatever might give them pain. Courtesy is, etymologically, that modification of politeness which belongs to courts. It displays itself in the address and manners; it is shown more especially in receiving and entertaining others, and is a union of dignified complaisance and kindness.
As in smooth oil the razor best is whet, So wit is by politeness keenest set. Young.
Courtesy is sooner found in lowly sheds, With smoky rafters, than in tapestry halls, And courts of princes, where it first was named. Milton.