courtesy call

[ kur-tuh-see kawl ]

noun

1. a visit or telephone call made for the sake of politeness or diplomacy:

   The newly appointed ambassador of Argentina paid a courtesy call on the leader of the opposition today.

   The delivery team was very professional and made a courtesy call in advance of their arrival.

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtesy call¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, the Chileans, who supported Carstens, went so far as to courtesy-call Lagarde personally to explain their position.

From The Daily Beast

The next step was the cutting out of the women; this was effected whilst the baronet-captain was paying his courtesy call on us.

From Project Gutenberg

Sure, he was all spruced up now, ready to make a polite courtesy call at the big house.

From Project Gutenberg

An accidental meeting with Phryn had led to a courtesy call—and the inevitable.

From Project Gutenberg