Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - comity

 noun  (plural -ties)  Etymology: Latin comitat-, comitas, from comis courteous, probably from Old Latin cosmis, from com- + -smis (akin to Sanskrit smayate he smiles) — more at smile  Date: 1543  1.  a. friendly social atmosphere ; social harmony group activities promoting ~  b. a loose widespread community based on common social institutions the ~ of civilization  c. ~ of nations  d. the informal and voluntary recognition by courts of one jurisdiction of the laws and judicial decisions of another  2. avoidance of proselytizing members of another religious denomination