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courtesan

[ kawr-tuh-zuhn, kur- ]
/ ˈkɔr tə zən, ˈkɜr- /
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noun
(especially in historical use) a mistress, paramour, or prostitute, especially one associating with noblemen or men of wealth.
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Sometimes cour·te·zan .

Origin of courtesan

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana, literally, “woman of the court,” derivative of corte court
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use courtesan in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for courtesan

courtesan

courtezan

/ (ˌkɔːtÉȘˈzĂŠn) /

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

Word Origin for courtesan

C16: from Old French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana female courtier, from cortigiano courtier, from corte court
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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