Also 7 -discension, 7–8, -descention. [ad. late L. condēscensiōn-em, n. of action from condēscendĕre to CONDESCEND: see -ION. Also in 16th c. F.] The action, habit, or quality of condescending.
1. Voluntary abnegation for the nonce of the privileges of a superior; affability to one’s inferiors, with courteous disregard of difference of rank or position; condescendingness.
1647. Clarendon, Hist. Reb., I. (1843), 18/1. The duke, according to his usual openness and condescension, told him [etc.].
1677. Hale, Contempl. Lord’s Prayer, II. 104. Give us a sense of thy Great Condescention to thy weak and sinful Creatures.
1710. Steele, Tatler, No. 225, ¶ 3. Familiarity in Inferiors is Sauciness; in Superiors, Condescension.
1752. Johnson, Rambler, No. 200, ¶ 6. My old friend receiving me with all the insolence of condescension.
1856. Emerson, Eng. Traits, The ‘Times,’ Wks. (Bohn), II. 119. With the most provoking air of condescension.
b. with pl.
1654. R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 332. He [Christ] was to expiate mans Pride in the lowest Condescentions possible.
1751. Johnson, Rambler, No. 172, ¶ 6. He concludes himself insulted by condescensions.
1843. Lytton, Last Bar., II. ii. You hare spoiled them by your condescensions.
† 2. The action of descending or stooping to things unworthy. Obs.
1642. Jer. Taylor, Episc. (1647), 313. Of all Bishops, he [S. Cyprian] did acts of the greatest condescension, and seeming declination of episcopal authority.
a. 1797. H. Walpole, Mem. Geo. III. (1845), I. ii. 17. Every vice, every condescension was imputed to the Duke that the Prince might be stimulated to avoid them.
3. Gracious, considerate, or submissive deference shown to another; complaisance. ? Obs.
1650. T. B. B[ayley], Worcester’s Apoph., 38. To answer his humour with a condescention at the first word.
1692. Bentley, Boyle Lect., ii. 43. In compliance and condescension to the custom of their Country.
1692. Ray, Dissol. World, Pref. (1732), 13. He did it only in condescension to their Weakness.
1749. Fielding, Tom Jones, I. vi. Their extreme servility and condescension to their superiors.
1799. W. Gilpin, Serm., I. ix. (R.). If we are displeased with an opposition to our humours, we ought to shew a condescension to the humours of others.
1871. Freeman, Hist. Ess., Ser. I. x. 291. A man who thus showed no condescension to the feelings of his age.
† 4. The action or fact of acceding or consenting; concession. Obs.
1648. Manton, Spir. Languish., 2. In obedience to your Order, and condescension to the requests of some Friends, I have now made it [this Sermon] publick.
1664. Dk. Albemarle, in Marvell’s Corr., Wks. 1872–5, II. 99. That some condescentions and abatements be made for peace sake.
c. 1720. Lett. fr. Mist’s Jrnl. (1722), I. 238. I almost doubt your Condescension to my Request.
