noun
( -es )
1. : the quality or state of being polite: as
a. archaic : mental polish : intellectual culture or refinement : elegance and good taste (as in a literary work)
renowned for the politeness of the character and editions of what he has published — John Evelyn
b. : polished or refined manners : courteous or socially correct behavior
politeness mustn't be mistaken for civility — Richard Joseph
the art of chill and consummate politeness — Arnold Bennett
politeness forbade they should contradict him — Samuel Lover
2. : a polite act or statement act
the old man, with many politenesses … led him — New Yorker
cutting politenesses out of telegrams — Arnold Bennett