KJV Dictionary Definition: condescend

condescend

CONDESCEND, v.i. L. See Descend.

1. To descend from the privileges of superior rank or dignity, to do some act to an inferior, which strict justice or the ordinary rules of civility do not require. Hence, to submit or yield, as to an inferior, implying an occasional relinquishment of distinction.

Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Romans 7.

2. To recede from ones rights in negotiation, or common intercourse, to do some act, which strict justice does not require.

Spains mighty monarch, in gracious clemency does condescend, on these conditions, to become your friend.

3. To stoop or descend; to yield; to submit; implying a relinquishment of rank, or dignity of character, and sometimes a sinking into debasement.

Can they think me so broken, so debased, with corporal servitude, that my mind ever will condescend to such absurd commands?

condescendence

CONDESCENDENCE, n. A voluntary yielding or submission to an inferior.

You will observe in the Turks an insulting condescendence which bespeaks their contempt of you.

condescending

CONDESCENDING, ppr.

1. Descending from rank or distinction in the intercourse of life; receding from rights or claims; yielding.

2. Yielding to inferiors; courteous; obliging.

condescendingly

CONDESCENDINGLY, adv. By way of yielding to inferiors; with voluntary submission; by way of kind concession; courteously.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
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