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 another
2 : avoidance of proselytizing members of another religious denomination