courtship

American  

[kawrt-ship, kohrt-] / ˈkɔrt ʃɪp, ˈkoʊrt- /

noun

1. the wooing of one person by another.

2. the period during which such wooing takes place.

3. solicitation of favors, applause, etc.

4. Ethology. behavior in animals that occurs before and during mating, often including elaborate displays.

5. Obsolete. courtly behavior; courtesy; gallantry.

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courtship British  

/ ˈkɔːtʃɪp /

noun

1. the act, period, or art of seeking the love of someone with intent to marry

2. the seeking or soliciting of favours

3. obsolete courtly behaviour

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Etymology

Origin of courtship

First recorded in 1580–90; court + -ship

Example Sentences

"I have been given a third contact and we have started courtship," said Suleiman.

From Barron's

After a courtship that unfurled in fits and starts, they married in 1996.

From Salon

The growth, fans say, reflects a reality about many college kids: They’re intimidated by real-life courtship and overwhelmed by the endless scroll of dating apps.

From The Wall Street Journal

The message came with a photo of Donaldson carrying his bride under an arched walkway, plus a few pics from along their happy courtship.

From Los Angeles Times

In these verses, Hardy returns to their courtship in Cornwall, their later estrangement and Emma’s solitary last drive when “you passed the spot / Where eight days later you were to lie.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• courting
• engagement
• pursuit