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Literary notes about Proffer (AI summary)

In literature, "proffer" is often employed as a formal or deliberate act of offering—whether it be terms of submission, an invitation for alliance, or even a tender expression of affection. Authors use the word to convey a sense of measured generosity or cautious diplomacy, as when an envoy offers submission [1] or when diplomats extend formal overtures [2, 3]. In romantic or interpersonal contexts, characters might proffer love or support with an air of sincerity and vulnerability [4, 5, 6]. Overall, the term elevates the gesture from a mere casual offer to one laden with intent, careful formulation, and sometimes even hesitation, enriching both political and emotional exchanges in narrative settings [7, 8].
  1. An envoy was accordingly despatched to Rome to proffer terms of submission to Cusanus if only he would take the ban of excommunication from the nuns.
    — from Woman under MonasticismChapters on Saint-Lore and Convent Life between A.D. 500 and A.D. 1500 by Lina Eckenstein
  2. To the great relief and joy of Cortez, day after day, envoys flocked to his presence from powerful nations to proffer allegiance and implore clemency.
    — from Hernando CortezMakers of History by John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott
  3. Fulton was obliged to proffer his services to foreign nations for a long time before he was able to devote them to his own country.
    — from Democracy in America — Volume 1 by Alexis de Tocqueville
  4. Fivescore gold crowns, that in my pouch have I, I'd proffer him full fain, And eke a kiss, if so it liked the swain.
    — from The Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio by Giovanni Boccaccio
  5. Thou seest me now sail'd from my former lodgings, Beneath a husband's ark; yet fain I would reward Thy proffer'd love.
    — from Three Hours after Marriage by John Arbuthnot
  6. She felt that she ought to say something, proffer some explanation, but she was at a loss how to begin.
    — from The Man Who Was Good by Leonard Merrick
  7. Impulses of sympathy came naturally to her, and it was instinctive to proffer her help to Mrs. Fisher.
    — from The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
  8. and with-all, A little ignorant, to entertaine The good that’s proffer’d; and (by your beauties leaue)
    — from The Devil is an Ass by Ben Jonson

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