See Also: douceur(dictionary)

douceur (iou)



douceur noun. LME.
[French from Proto-Romance var. of Latin dulcor sweetness.]
1. Orig., sweetness of manner, amiability, (of a person). Now, agreeableness, charm (chiefly in douceur de vivre etc. below). LME.
douceur de vie, douceur de la vie the pleasure or amenities of life.
F. Burney He..answered with all his accustomed douceur and politeness. I. Murdoch A curious relationship grew up between Michael and Dora, something..which had for Michael a certain ease and douceur.
A complimentary speech or turn of phrase. L17-E19.
A conciliatory present; a gratuity, a bribe. M18.
N. Gulbenkian When I have a bet, a winning one,..all my servants get a little douceur.
A tax benefit available to a person who sells a work of art by private treaty to a public collection rather than on the open market. L20.