courtier
[kawr-tee-er, kohr-]
- a person who is often in attendance at the court of a king or other royal personage.
- a person who seeks favor by flattery, charm, etc.
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Origin of courtier
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for courtiers
Contemporary Examples
But then the courtiers and her son Edward, the new King Edward VIII (himself a notoriously debauched figure), began cleaning up.
The courtiers were an effete and in some cases epicene crew.
Avoid war; don't trust flatterers, courtiers and ministers; and most importantly 'retrieve the glory of the Throne'.
More surprising still, the spirit addressed the courtiers by their real names.
Courtiers said it would have been impossible to complete the trip on scheduled services.
Historical Examples
Like many of the courtiers, Mistress Fitton affected the society of the players.
The Man ShakespeareFrank Harris
All the courtiers were amazed and confounded, and Sir Oliver the most of all.
Biographical StoriesNathaniel Hawthorne
Several of the courtiers were following his example in the latter respect.
Camps, Quarters and Casual PlacesArchibald Forbes
In the faces and behaviour of the courtiers, as in a glass, he saw reflected the truth.
Tales And Novels, Volume 8 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
The King thought so too; so they sent five courtiers to ask her to the feast.
courtier
- an attendant at a court
- a person who seeks favour in an ingratiating manner
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Word Origin
C13: from Anglo-French courteour (unattested), from Old French corteier to attend at 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
Word Origin and History for courtiers
courtier
n.
early 13c., from Anglo-French *corteour, from Old French cortoiier "to be at court, live at court" (see court (n.)).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper