a. [ F. gracieux, L. gratiosus. See Grace. ] 1. Abounding in grace or mercy; manifesting love, or bestowing mercy; characterized by grace; beneficent; merciful; disposed to show kindness or favor; condescending; as, his most gracious majesty. [ 1913 Webster ] A god ready to pardon, gracious and merciful. Neh. ix. 17. [ 1913 Webster ] So hallowed and so gracious in the time. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Abounding in beauty, loveliness, or amiability; graceful; excellent. [ 1913 Webster ] Since the birth of Cain, the first male child, . . . There was not such a gracious creature born. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Produced by divine grace; influenced or controlled by the divine influence; as, gracious affections. Syn. -- Favorable; kind; benevolent; friendly; beneficent; benignant; merciful. [ 1913 Webster ] |