courtly
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courtly
- /ˈkɔːtli/ UK
- /ˈkɔɹtli/ US
Rhymes with -ɔː(ɹ)tli
Where it comes from
From Middle English courtly, equivalent to court + -ly.
adjective courtlier · courtliest
-
Befitting of a royal court; reflecting the manners or behaviour of people at court; stately, rich or fine, and so suitable for a royal court.
He swept off his hat and made a deep courtly bow.
Similar: refined, dignified, genteel, well-mannered
- Of or relating to courtly love or courtship.
- Of or relating to a royal court. She tried to remain aloof from courtly intrigues.
-
Overly eager to please or obey.
Here FLATT’RY, eldest born of guile, / Weaves with rare skill the silken smile, / The courtly cringe, the supple bow, / The private squeeze, the Levee vow,
Similar: flattering, obsequious, servile
adverb more courtly · most courtly
-
In the manner of a royal court; in a manner befitting of a royal court.
Then will I deck thee Princely, instruct thee courtly, / And present thee to the Queene as my gift.
Similar: courtlily
Translations
Talk about this word "courtly." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/courtly. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026. courtly. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/courtly "courtly." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/courtly.Cite this
@misc{courtly_2026,
title = {courtly},
howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
year = {2026},
url = {https://micwyn.com/word/courtly},
urldate = {2026-11-06}
}
