Courtesy

Pronunciation

Origin

From Middle English curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie.

The concise dictionary of English etymology, p. 97

Online Etymology Dictionary

Full definition of courtesy

Noun

1. (uncountable) Polite behavior.Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.
2. (countable) A polite gesture or remark.I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy.
• ShakespeareMy lord, for your many courtesies I thank you.
3. (uncountable) Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.They call this pond a lake by courtesy only.
4. (uncountable) Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.They received free advertising through the courtesy of the local newspaper.
5. A curtsey.
• GoldsmithThe lady drops a courtesy in token of obedience, and the ceremony proceeds as usual.

Verb

1. Alternative form of curtsey
• Samuel RichardsonWell, but Polly attended, as I said; and there were strange simperings, and bowing, and courtesying, between them; the honest gentleman seeming not to know how to let his mistress wait upon him...

Adjective

1. Given or done as a polite gesture.We paid a courtesy visit to the new neighbors.
2. Free of charge.The event planners offered courtesy tickets for the reporters.

Synonyms

• free of charge