Also 7 -ence. [a. F. convenance, OF. also covenance, convention, agreement, convenience, f. convenir to come together, agree, fit, etc. Introduced in 15th c. in sense 1 (in form COVENANCE), and in sense 2 in 17th c., but in neither sense retained in the lang.; in recent use a non-naturalized French word in sense 3.]
† 1. A convention, covenant, agreement. Obs. rare.
1483. [see COVENANCE].
† 2. Concurrence, agreement. Obs. rare.
1613. Sherley, Trav. Persia, 104. Mombarecke … with the lest conuenence of his Maiestie, would continue his Armes against the Turke.
1677. Gale, Crt. Gentiles, II. IV. 17. Neither order nor distinction, nor union, nor convenance.
ǁ 3. Conventional propriety or usage.
1847. Emerson, Poems, The Visit, Wks. (Bohn), I. 404. The duration of a glance Is the term of convenance. Ibid. (1867), May-Day, etc., Wks. (Bohn), III. 423. Our foaming ale we drunk from hunters’ pans … and if any missed Their wonted convenance, cheerly hid the loss With hunters’ appetite.
ǁ b. pl. The conventional proprieties of life or social intercourse; the conventionalities.
1857. De Quincey, Whiggism, Wks. VI. 140. That it does not shock or revolt my taste or sense of propriety—of decorum—and the convenances arising out of place … occasion, or personal circumstances.
1881. Spectator, 9 April, 476. Her utter ignorance of London convenances and proprieties.
