pleasance

pleasance · noun¹

1. Old French · derived fromplaisance
2. Middle English · inherited fromplaisaunce
3. English todaypleasance

From Middle English plaisaunce, plesaunce, from Old French plaisance. By surface analysis, please + -ance.

Pleasance · proper noun²

From an Old French female given name Plaisance, from plaisance (“pleasance”). The surname is partly matronymic, partly habitational from the Italian town of Piacenza.

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. A pleasure ground laid out with shady walks, trees and shrubs, statuary, and ornamental water; a secluded part of a garden.
• 14th–17th c. Willingness to please, or the action of pleasing; courtesy.
• 14th–19th c. The feeling of being pleased; pleasure, delight.