Obs. rare. [ad. Gr. εὐτράπελία, f. εὐτράπελος pleasant in conversation, f. εὖ well + τρέπειν to turn.
The Gr. word is used by Aristotle for ‘pleasantness in conversation’ (one of the seven moral virtues enumerated by him); in the N. T. (Eph. v. 4) for reprehensible levity of speech (A. V. ‘jesting’). The quots. below merely reflect these uses.)
1596. Advice Gen. Assemb., in J. Melvill’s Diary (1842), 350. Aischrologie, eutrapelie, using vean and profane company.
1678. Phillips, Eutrapely, courtesie, urbanity.
1775. Ash, Eutrapely, courtesy.
