ˌpäləˈtes noun
( -s )
Etymology: French (influenced in meaning by French poli polished, polite, past participle of polir to polish), from Middle French, cleanness, neatness, from Old Italian pulitezza, from pulito clean, neat, polished (past participle of pulire to clean, polish), from Latin politus polished, past participle of polire to polish
: formal and cultivated politeness : decorousness
holding his temper on a rigid course with rules of politesse — New York Times
excel in hospitality, in politesse , and … in kindness — Harper's