courtesy meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

courtesy

noun

UK /ˈkɜːtəsi/ · US /ˈkɝɾəsi/

Etymology From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix). By surface analysis, court + -esy.

Polite behavior.

Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.
He was always known for his grace, kindness, and courtesy to people of every rank.

1 more example

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:

A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.

I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy.
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, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:

Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.

They call this pond a lake by courtesy only.

Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.

They received free advertising through the courtesy of the local newspaper.
[on a label, caption, etc.] Courtesy the Smith Foundation: [e.g.] use of this image was allowed through the courtesy of the Smith Foundation.

Dated A curtsey.

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, →OCLC, page 284:

Law The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.

Derived terms: 25 terms
common courtesy, courtesy book, courtesy call, courtesy card, courtesy clerk, courtesy copy, courtesy flag, courtesy flush, courtesy lamp, courtesy light, courtesy name, courtesy of, courtesy of the trade, courtesy phone, courtesy telephone, courtesy title, courtesy turn, curtsey, discourtesy, extend the courtesy, kill-courtesy, overcourtesy, senatorial courtesy, strain courtesy, uncourtesy

courtesy

adj

Given or done as a polite gesture.

We paid a courtesy visit to the new neighbors.

Supplied free of charge.

The event planners offered courtesy tickets for the reporters.