complaisant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others
    obliging.
    • to close one's eyes like a complaisant husband whose wife has taken a lover
    • the obliging waiter was in no hurry for us to leave

WordNet


Com"plai*sant adjective
Etymology
F. complaisant, p. pr. of complaire to acquiesce as a favor, fr. L. complacere. See Complacent.
Definitions
  1. Desirous to please; courteous; obliging; compliant; as, a complaisant gentleman.
    There are to whom my satire seems too bold: Scarce to wise Peter complaisant enough. Pope.
    Syn. -- Obliging; courteous; affable; gracious; civil; polite; well-bred. See Obliging. -- Com"plai*sant`ly, adv. -- Com"plai*sant`ness, n.

Webster 1913