v.intr. 1 (usu. foll. by to + infin.) be gracious enough (to do a thing) esp. while showing one's sense of dignity or superiority (condescended to attend the meeting). 2 (foll. by to) behave as if one is on equal terms with (an inferior), usu. while maintaining an attitude of superiority. 3 (as condescending adj.) patronizing; kind to inferiors. condescendingly adv.
[ ME f. OF condescendre f. eccl.L condescendere (as com-, descend) ]