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.
Derivatives:
condescendingly adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF condescendre f. eccl.L condescendere (as com-, descend)