Comfortable, a.
Etymology: [OF. confortable.]
1. Strong; vigorous; valiant. [Obs.] Wyclif. Thy conceit is nearer death than thy powers. For my sake be comfortable; hold death a while at the arm's end. Shak.
2. Serviceable; helpful. [Obs.] Be comfortable to my mother, your mistress, and make much of her. Shak.
3. Affording or imparting comfort or consolation; able to comfort; cheering; as, a comfortable hope. "Kind words and comfortable." Cowper. A comfortable provision made for their subsistence. Dryden.
4. In a condition of comfort; having comforts; not suffering or anxious; hence, contented; cheerful; as, to lead a comfortable life. My lord leans wondrously to discontent; His comfortable temper has forsook him: He is much out of health. Shak.
1 more senses
5. Free, or comparatively free, from pain or distress; -- used of a sick person. [U. S.]
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Comfortable, n.
A stuffed or quilted coverlet for a bed; a comforter; a comfort. [U. S.]
Shades of meaning
A person is comfortable in mind when contented and measurably satisfied. A little additional brightness makes him cheerful. He is comfortable in body when free from pain, quiet, at ease, at rest. He is comfortable in circumstances, or in comfortable circumstances, when things about him are generally agreeable and satisfactory, usually with the suggestion of sufficient means to secure that result.