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].
- 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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