Word of the Day: Largesse

largesse (also largess)

lar-gesse / lär-zhĕs, lär-jĕs, lär–jĕs

noun

1. the generous giving of gifts, favors, etc., often as if to an inferior

Big-government proponents embrace both the power of the federal government and the idea that millions of Americans ought to be dependent on its largesse.

Gary Bauer, 1946 –

2. a gift or money that has been given, often in a showy way

The man who first brought ruin upon the Roman people was he who pampered them by largesses and amusements.

Plutarch, 45 – 120

3. generosity of attitude or feelings

To forgive and to be forgiven are the two points of holy magnificence and holy modesty; round these two centres the whole doctrine of largesse revolves.

Charles Williams, 1886 – 1945