politeness

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 ]