douceur noun. [dusœ:r, du:'sǝ:] LME.
[French from Proto-Romance var. of Latin dulcor sweetness.]
1. Orig., sweetness of manner, amiability, (of a person). Now, agreeableness, charm (chiefly in douceur de vivre etc. below). LME.
douceur de vie, douceur de la vie [dǝ (la) vi], douceur de vivre [dǝ vi:vr] [French vie life, vivre live] the pleasure or amenities of life.
■ F. Burney He..answered with all his accustomed douceur and politeness.
■ I. Murdoch A curious relationship grew up between Michael and Dora, something..which had for Michael a certain ease and douceur.

2. A complimentary speech or turn of phrase. L17-E19.

3. A conciliatory present; a gratuity, a bribe. M18.
■ N. Gulbenkian When I have a bet, a winning one,..all my servants get a little douceur.

4. A tax benefit available to a person who sells a work of art by private treaty to a public collection rather than on the open market. L20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲