courtesan

[ kawr-tuh-zuhn, kur- ]
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noun
  1. (especially in historical use) a mistress, paramour, or prostitute, especially one associating with noblemen or men of wealth.

Origin of courtesan

1
First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana, literally, “woman of the court,” derivative of corte court
  • Sometimes cour·te·zan .

Words Nearby courtesan

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How to use courtesan in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for courtesan

courtesan

courtezan

/ (ˌkɔːtɪˈzæn) /


noun
  1. (esp formerly) a prostitute, or the mistress of a man of rank

Origin of courtesan

1
C16: from Old French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana female courtier, from cortigiano courtier, from corte court

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