courtesy title
Americannoun
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a title applied or assumed through custom, courtesy, or association and without regard for its being officially merited.
-
a title allowed by custom, as to the children of dukes.
noun
Etymology
Origin of courtesy title
First recorded in 1860–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When James was born, he was given the title Viscount Severn - a "courtesy" title as son of an earl, rather than using prince.
From BBC • May 6, 2023
Mr. Jordan asked whether the chief justice had used the courtesy title.
From Washington Times • Dec. 8, 2022
“They were the reject diamonds back in the day,” said Devine, founder of Lolide, who uses the gender-neutral courtesy title Mx.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 2, 2022
Pagels-Minor, who prefers a gender-neutral courtesy title and pronouns, said, “B. categorically denies leaking sensitive information to the press.”
From New York Times • Oct. 19, 2021
No trains went there—Maycomb Junction, a courtesy title, was located in Abbott County, twenty miles away.
From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
