well-gracedadj.
/ˌwɛlˈɡreɪst/, U.S. /ˌwɛlˈɡreɪst/ Abundantly endowed with grace (in various senses of the noun); very pleasing; much favoured.In later use frequently with allusion to Shakespeare (see quot. 1597).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > quality of being approvable or acceptable > [adjective] > approved or accepted
accepta1382
well-pleaseda1382
ycherydc1407
received1440
graciousa1450
accepted?1495
comprobate1523
well-accepted1526
allowed1538
approbateda1549
well-received1565
well-liked1567
well-graceda1586
unlashed1641
approved1667
approved-of1670
consecrated1868
favoured1891
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. ii. sig. F3v She had closed vp her delightfull speach, with no lesse wel graced silence.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II v. ii. 24 After a well-graced Actor leaues the stage. View more context for this quotation
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Rr4 Their well graced fourmes of speech. View more context for this quotation
1662 T. Grantham Prisoner against Prelate vi. 64 The Churches Pastors ought From 'mongst wel-graced Christians to be sought.
1734 Lett. Gentleman in Country to Friend in London 28 A Party in whose Interest I stood so well graced.
1817 W. Scott in Sale-room 5 Apr. 111/2 While yet some well-graced parts May fix an ancient favourite in your hearts.
1867 J. L. Motley Hist. United Netherlands III. xxix. 227 But it was not for that general of artillery [sc. Charles Mansfeld] to attempt the well-graced part..with much hope of success.
1903 M. McD. Bodkin In Days of Goldsmith viii. 76 (heading) A well-graced actress.
2000 Stage (Nexis) 24 Aug. 9 A stylish and well-graced young actor, Richard Hart.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2014; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.a1586