comity

[kom-i-tee]

noun, plural com·i·ties.

mutual courtesy; civility.
Also called comity of nations. courtesy between nations, as in respect shown by one country for the laws, judicial decisions, and institutions of another.

Origin of comity

1535–45; < Latin cōmitās, equivalent to cōm(is) affable + -itās -ity

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British Dictionary definitions for comity of nations

comity of nations

noun

the friendly recognition accorded by one nation to the laws and usages of another

comity

noun plural -ties

mutual civility; courtesy
short for comity of nations
the policy whereby one religious denomination refrains from proselytizing the members of another

Word Origin for comity

C16: from Latin cōmitās, from cōmis affable, obliging, of uncertain origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for comity of nations

comity

early 15c., "association," from French comité, from Latin comitas "courtesy, friendliness, kindness, affability," from comis "courteous, friendly, kind," of uncertain origin. Meaning "courtesy" in English is from 1540s. Phrase comity of nations attested from 1862: "The obligation recognized by civilized nations to respect each other's laws and usages as far as their separate interests allow."