Definition of "courtesy"

courtesy

/ˈkɜːtəsi/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural courtesies
1. (uncountable) Polite behavior.
2. (countable) A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.
  Quotations
  My lord, for your many courtesies I thank you.
  1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act V, scene i]
  Rabbit doesn't want to tell him anything. The more he tells, the more he loses. He's safe inside his own skin, he doesn't want to come out. This guy's whole game is to get him out into the open where he can be manipulated. But the fierce convention of courtesy pries open Rabbit's lips.
  1960, John Updike, 'Rabbit, Run', page 108
3. (uncountable) Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.
4. (uncountable) Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.
5. A curtsey.
  Quotations
  The lady drops a courtesy in token of obedience, and the ceremony proceeds as usual.
  1760, Oliver Goldsmith, The Citizen of the World
  [I]t was her favorite amusement to array herself in the faded brocades, and parade up and down before the long mirror, making stately courtesies, and sweeping her train about, with a rustle which delighted her ears.
  1868–1869, Louisa M[ay] Alcott, “Amy’s Will”, in Little Women: […], (please specify |part=1 or 2), Boston, Mass.: Roberts Brothers, page 284
6. (law) The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.
verb
third-person singular simple present courtesies, present participle courtesying, simple past and past participle courtesied
1. Alternative form of curtsey
adjective
not comparable
1. Given or done as a polite gesture.
2. Supplied free of charge.

Definition of "courtesy"

courtesy

noun

Quotations

Quotations

verb

adjective