polite

a. [ Compar. Politer superl. Politest. ] [ L. politus, p. p. of polire to polish: cf. F. poli. See Polish, v. ] 1. Smooth; polished. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Rays of light falling on a polite surface. Sir I. Newton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Smooth and refined in behavior or manners; well bred; courteous; complaisant; obliging; civil. [ 1913 Webster ]

He marries, bows at court, and grows polite. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Characterized by refinement, or a high degree of finish; as, polite literature. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Polished; refined; well bred; courteous; affable; urbane; civil; courtly; elegant; genteel. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To polish; to refine; to render polite. [ Obs. ] Ray. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. 1. In a polished manner; so as to be smooth or glossy. [ Obs. ] Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. In a polite manner; with politeness. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. High finish; smoothness; burnished elegance. [ R. ] Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The quality or state of being polite; refinement of manners; urbanity; courteous behavior; complaisance; obliging attentions. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]