\Po*lite"ness\, n.
1. High finish; smoothness; burnished elegance. [R.]
   --Evelyn.
2. The quality or state of being polite; refinement of
   manners; urbanity; courteous behavior; complaisance;
   obliging attentions.
Syn: Courtesy; good breeding; refinement; urbanity;
     courteousness; affability; complaisance; civility;
     gentility; courtliness.
Usage: {Politeness}, {Courtesy}. Politeness denotes that ease
       and gracefulness of manners which first sprung up in
       cities, connected with a desire to please others by
       anticipating their wants and wishes, and studiously
       avoiding whatever might give them pain. Courtesy is,
       etymologically, the politeness of courts. It displays
       itself in the address and manners; it is shown more
       especially in receiving and entertaining others, and
       is a union of dignified complaisance and kindness.