Book:Pride and Prejudice
From Tractatus
Language
The word that struck me most of all was the use of the word condescension, always in the first sense voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior never in the second sense patronizing attitude or behavior(Websters). How many times is Lady de Bourgh thanked for her condescension. How marvelous. Can condescending heretofore only imagined as pejorative, really be complimentary?
Until characters other than Mr. Collins used it, I was sure that it was merely Austen being snide. But, it is clearly a change in usage, which I cannot help but feel has to do with the difference between my society, and Jane's.