Courtship

Origin

From court + -ship.

Full definition of courtship

Noun

1. The act of paying court, with the intent to solicit a favor.
2. The act of wooing in love; solicitation of woman to marriage.
• 1968, John Updike, Couples, Penguin, 10:Their courtship passed as something instantly forgotten, like an enchantment, or a mistake.
3. Courtliness; elegance of manners; courtesy.
4. Court policy; the character of a courtier; artifice of a court; court-craft; finesse.

Synonyms

• wooing