politesse

Definition

Civility, politeness, courtesy or gallantry; genteel politeness or an instance of this.

Etymology

From French politesse, from Italian politezza, from polito, past participle of pulire (“to clean”), from Latin polire, present active infinite form of poliō (“I polish”).

Example Sentences

• "So if you meet me, have some courtesy / Have some sympathy, and some taste / Use all your well-learned politesse / Or I'll lay your soul to waste"
• "The reference in his letter to ‘having a drink’ is of course just an empty politesse."
• "The soft politesse concealed a sharp observer, a gleaner of information, cool under pressure and used to having to think several steps ahead […]"