courtier

[ kawr-tee-er, kohr- ]

noun

1. a person who is often in attendance at the court of a king or other royal personage.
2. a person who seeks favor by flattery, charm, etc.

courtier

/ ˈkɔːtɪə /

noun

1. an attendant at a court
2. a person who seeks favour in an ingratiating manner

Other Words From

• under·courti·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtier¹

1250–1300; Middle English courteour < Anglo-French courte ( i ) our, equivalent to Old French cortoy ( er ) to attend at court (derivative of court court ) + Anglo-French -our < Latin -ōr- -or ²; suffix later conformed to -ier ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtier¹

C13: from Anglo-French courteour (unattested), from Old French corteier to attend at court

Example Sentences

The prospect of Harry using his personal trauma to promote a TV show would once have sent shivers down the spine of courtiers at Buckingham Palace, but not now.

From The Daily Beast

Among the distinguished talent featured in Couture Dogs of New York is award-winning pet fashion courtier Anthony Rubio.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, a senior courtier tells the Royalist that the China idea never even reached the planning stage.

From The Daily Beast

Even for the most forward-looking courtier, that might be a modernization too far.

From The Daily Beast

But the essence of Disraeli's genius as a courtier was his ability to make it all about her.

From The Daily Beast

And to top it all off, retired courtier Valantino Garavani threw a lavish party at his expansive estate, Château de Wideville.

From The Daily Beast

A favorite of king and courtier, its use was alike common in the palace and the courtyard.

From Project Gutenberg

But the new Marshal cared little for the life of a courtier, much as he prized his military distinctions.

From Project Gutenberg

Ever since the Dutch looked upon the plant it has been more to them than king and courtier.

From Project Gutenberg

Abbot was nothing of a courtier, and, indeed, no very pleasant-natured man.

From Project Gutenberg

And now, having attained all he could desire, Wilkes sank the patriot in the courtier.

From Project Gutenberg