complaisance

[ kuh m-pley-suh ns, -zuh ns, kom-pluh-zans ]

/ kəmˈpleɪ səns, -zəns, ˈkɒm pləˌzæns /

the quality of being complaisant.

a complaisant act.

Origin of complaisance

From French, dating back to 1645–55; see origin at complaisant, -ance

non·com·plai·sance, noun un·com·plai·sance, noun

From his infancy he had, with calculation beyond his age, lent his mane and complaisance to the follies of the Comte de Guiche.

Ten Years Later |Alexandre Dumas, Pere
She ate a morsel out of complaisance, and Alcolomb did the like.

The Arabian Nights, Volume III (of 4) |Anonymous
But the youthful Uncas continued a silent and respectful listener, until Hawkeye, in complaisance, demanded his opinion.

The Last of the Mohicans |James Fenimore Cooper
The vassal of Luck slid upon the seat by her side with complaisance.

The Voice of the City |O. Henry

It must be agreed, gentlemen, that nothing can exceed the complaisance of this cavalier of the red handkerchief.

Wood Rangers |Mayne Reid

complaisance

/ (kəmˈpleɪzəns) /

deference to the wishes of others; willing compliance

an act of willing compliance