But specifically doesn't proffer carry a sense of 'social diffidence' - an offer that is made out of politeness or some other such constraint?


Good point, maverick... it occurred to me only as i was reading your post that 'proffer' generally denotes a measure of respect or humility (either genuine, or - in the case of the legal field - [court]imposed diffidence) on the part of the offerer for the person to whom the proffer is being submitted.

bridget=)

Ipsa scientia potestas est ~Bacon