[f. CORDIAL + -ITY: cf. F. cordialité (Oudin, 16th c.); It. cordialità.]
† 1. The quality of relating to the heart. Obs.–1
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., IV. iv. 184. That the practice … had any such respect of cordiality or reference unto the heart will much be doubted.
2. Cordial quality: a. Heartiness, earnestness, sincerity.
[1598. Florio, Cordialità, hartines.] Ibid. (1611), Hartinesse, cordiality.
1755. Young, Centaur, ii. Wks. 1757, IV. 158. He that knows not the sound cordiality, and constant warmth of a disinterested friendship, knows not the most that man can enjoy from man.
1756. A. Mitchell, in Ellis, Orig. Lett., II. 456, IV. 370. I trust to the King’s justice, and to the cordiality with which he acts, for a full discovery.
1855. Motley, Dutch Rep., II. iv. (1866), 212. Margaret of Parma hated the Cardinal with great cordiality.
b. Sincere good-will or friendly feeling towards others; warmth and friendliness of manner.
1730. Swift, in Craftsman, No. 232. I will not suspect the present fidelity of France, and their cordiality to the protestant establishment.
1796. Jane Austen, Sense & Sens. (1849), 63. He … did not return your kindness with any cordiality.
1844. H. H. Wilson, Brit. India, I. 125. Had there been any cordiality between the European officers and the native garrison.
1872. Morley, Voltaire (1886), 12. His cordiality towards progress and improvement.
