Po*lite"ness , n.
1. High finish; smoothness;
burnished elegance. [R.]
Evelyn.
2. The quality or state of being polite; refinement of manners; urbanity; courteous behavior; complaisance; obliging
attentions.
Syn. -- 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, the politeness of 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.
Hear it pronounced