Main Entry:

co·mi·ty

Pronunciation:

\ˈkä-mə-tē, ˈkō-\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural co·mi·ties

Etymology:

Latin comitat-, comitas, from comis courteous, probably from Old Latin cosmis, from com- + -smis (akin to Sanskrit smayate he smiles) — more at smile

Date:

1543

1 a: friendly social atmosphere : social harmony <group activities promoting comity> b: a loose widespread community based on common social institutions <the comity of civilization> c: comity of nations d: the informal and voluntary recognition by courts of one jurisdiction of the laws and judicial decisions of another2: avoidance of proselytizing members of another religious denomination