ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Courtly

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈkɔːtli/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Courtly is an adjective meaning Befitting of a royal court; reflecting the manners or behaviour of people at court.

Meaning

Befitting of a royal court; reflecting the manners or behaviour of people at court.

More Meanings

  1. Of or relating to a royal court.
  2. In the manner of a royal court; in a manner befitting of a royal court.
  3. (obsolete) Overly eager to please or obey.

Example Sentences

The troubadours sang songs about courtly love.
He swept off his hat and made a deep courtly bow.
She tried to remain aloof from courtly intrigues.
Corin: You have too courtly a wit for me; I’ll rest.

Word Forms

Synonyms for courtly

Depending on context, synonyms include refined, dignified, genteel, well-mannered, flattering, obsequious.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include formal, dignified, stately, elegant, regal, aristocratic.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.