fawning look; servile expression
Describes a facial expression intended to flatter or ingratiate oneself. Most often seen in the idiom 令色巧言 (れいしょくこうげん), meaning 'flattering words and a servile look'.
I'm fed up with his flattering words and fawning looks.
good complexion
Archaic meaning; not used in modern Japanese. The modern word for 'good complexion' is 血色が良い (けっしょくがよい) or similar.
In classical texts, 令色 can refer to a good complexion.
flattery; honeyed words; smooth talk
From Chinese 令色 (lìngsè), literally 'commanding/pleasing countenance'. The word entered Japanese through classical Chinese texts and is now mostly fossilized in the idiom 令色巧言.