Satisfactory, a.
Etymology: [Cf. F. satisfactoire.]
1. Giving or producing satisfaction; yielding content; especially, relieving the mind from doubt or uncertainty, and enabling it to rest with confidence; sufficient; as, a satisfactory account or explanation.
2. Making amends, indemnification, or recompense; causing to cease from claims and to rest content; compensating; atoning; as, to make satisfactory compensation, or a satisfactory apology. A most wise and sufficient means of redemption and salvation, by the satisfactory and meritorius death and obedience of the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ. Bp. Sanderson. -- Sat`is*fac"to*ri*ty, adv. -- Sat`is*fac"to*ri*ness, n.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for satisfactory; he lists it under adequate, comfortable.
Where he writes about it:
Work is satisfactory if it satisfies those for whom it is done, though it may be very poor work judged by some higher standard. — from adequate
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. — from comfortable