Austen's usage of the word "condescension"?

Question

I looked up the definition of "condescension" both in Merriam-Webster and the Oxford dictionary, both of which imply a negative connotation to the meaning, where the act of emphasizing one's superiority seems important. \n\n\nHowever, in *Pride and Prejudice*, Austen used this in quite a different setting. Mr. Collins often uses this as a seemingly positive adjective to describe Lady Catherine and even in the narrator parts, it is used in a relatively positive light. Out of the several usages, here's an example:\n\n> Mr. Collin's triumph, in consequence of this invitation was complete.\n> The power of displaying the grandeur of his patroness to his wondering\n> visitors, and of letting them see her civility towards himself and his\n> wife, was exactly what he had wished for; and that an opportunity of\n> doing it should be given so soon, was such an instance of Lady\n> Catherine's condescension, as he knew not how to admire enough.\n\n\nAnother example:\n\n> She is all affability and condescension, and I doubt not but you will\n> be honoured with some portion of her notice when service is over\n\n\nI don't understand the meaning in the context here. Is this a known alternative meaning?\n\n

Answer 1

In this context, the word "condescension" means to lower oneself in (social) stature to speak to someone generally considered inferior. Lady Catherine is, in the modern sense, condescending, and Austen fully means it as a way to refer to her as she clearly believes herself above others. Mr. Collins is a comedic character who buys into her idea that she is above others, too, and so regards her highly despite her being an unpleasant woman. To Austen, Lady Catherine is arrogant, but clearly Mr. Collins sees her as gracious, because she is willing to interact with people of lower social standing.