noun
or lar·gesse lärˈjes, lȧˈ-, ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷
( plural largess·es )
Etymology: Middle English largesse, from Old French largece, largesse, from large generous — more at large
1. obsolete : liberality , generosity
2. : liberal giving or assistance especially when accompanied by condescension from a superior to an inferior or from one of higher rank or status to one of lower
nor can we make other people like us by a one-sided largess — S.F.Bemis
obtained his post through his old teacher's largess
3. : something given: as
a. : a free gift usually given in connection with some auspicious event
there was given after the coronation a largess to every man of a silver penny and a measure of wheat
or traditional occasion
coins for the harvest home largess
b. : gratuities given (as for service) especially when excessive or ostentatious : large tips
scattering largess at every stopping place
c. : aid, support, or other valuables received as or as if as a gift or through the benevolence of another
dependent for her livelihood on the largess of a moody lover — Jean Stafford
living on government largess
4. : an innate quality (as of mind or spirit)
from some largess of feeling — Nancy Cardozo
a writer of imaginative largess — Irving Howe
his generosity of spirit, an absolutely natural largess — Harvey Breit
5. obsolete : liberty , freedom , leave