Friendly, courteous, and reciprocal behavior; courtesy and civility, especially between different groups, nations, or communities.
From Latin comitas 'courtesy, friendliness,' derived from comes 'companion' (literally 'one who eats bread with you'). The word entered English in the 16th century to describe the mutual respect that should govern interactions.
The root comes actually means 'one who eats bread with you'—from cum (with) and panis (bread). So 'comity' is literally about the friendliness you feel toward someone you've shared a meal with. That's why breaking bread together is universally seen as creating bonds; it's etymologically built into the concept of companionship.
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