politesse UK /pɒlɪˈtɛs/US /pɑləˈtɛs/ noun1 •Civility, politeness, courtesy or gallantry; genteel politeness or an instance of this.So if you meet me, have some courtesy / Have some sympathy, and some taste / Use all your well-learned politesse / Or I'll lay your soul to waste — 1968 formspolitesses