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/kˈərtəsi/ Listen

noun

Courtesy n. (pl. courtesies)

Politeness; civility; urbanity; courtliness. "And trust thy honest-offered courtesy, With oft is sooner found in lowly sheds, With smoky rafters, than in tapestry walls And courts of princes, where it first was named, And yet is most pretended." "Pardon me, Messer Claudio, if once more I use the ancient courtesies of speech."

An act of civility or respect; an act of kindness or favor performed with politeness. "My lord, for your many courtesies I thank you."

Favor or indulgence, as distinguished from right; as, a title given one by courtesy.

Courtesy title, a title assumed by a person, or popularly conceded to him, to which he has no valid claim; as, the courtesy title of Lord prefixed to the names of the younger sons of noblemen.

Synonyms: Politeness; urbanity; civility; complaisance; affability; courteousness; elegance; refinement; courtliness; good breeding. See Politeness.

Courtesy n. (Written also curtsy and curtsey) An act of civility, respect, or reverence, made by women, consisting of a slight depression or dropping of the body, with bending of the knees. "The lady drops a courtesy in token of obedience, and the ceremony proceeds as usual."

verb

Courtesy v. t. To treat with civility. (Obs.)

Courtesy v. i. (past & past part. courtesied; pres. part. courtesying) To make a respectful salutation or movement of respect; esp. (with reference to women), to bow the body slightly, with bending of the knes.

See images of 'Courtesy'

Etymology of 'Courtesy'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Courtesy" Quotes from Famous Books

... ungrateful, and thank you with all my heart. The account you give of Venice is very interesting. There is something affecting in still seeing the descendants of the former Doges holding a diminished state in their remaining palaces with so much courtesy. I am sure you have found yourself a guest in their saloons, hung with paintings of their ancestors, with very mixed feelings. However, Venice to the eye, as you describe it, is Venice still; and with its lights at night gleaming upon the waters makes a very vivid picture ...

— Personal Recollections, from Early Life to Old Age, of Mary Somerville • Mary Somerville

... be a more correct term," said Mr Maltby, "at least so far as touchings of the hat and smooth speeches were concerned. But, in truth, with all the roughness of these people, there is that sterling courtesy and consideration in many of them which I rarely meet ...

— True to his Colours - The Life that Wears Best • Theodore P. Wilson

... and turned Walters over to one of the officers on inside duty, with instructions to see that the young taxi-driver was afforded every courtesy and comfort, and was not treated as a criminal. Spike turned ...

— Midnight • Octavus Roy Cohen

... Mignon's face was no less sweet when seen so near. Her cheeks were the loveliest pink imaginable. Her blue eyes looked up frankly and trustfully. When the Mayor spoke to her she blushed and made a pretty courtesy, clasping Alice's hand very tight in ...

— Nine Little Goslings • Susan Coolidge

... in the afternoon I was able, through the courtesy of Mr. Trumbull White in offering me the use of the Chicago "Record's" despatch-boat, to go off to the flagship New York and present my letter of introduction from the President to Admiral Sampson. I was received most cordially and hospitably, ...

— Campaigning in Cuba • George Kennan

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