courtship

[ kawrt-ship, kohrt- ]
/ ˈkɔrt ʃɪp, ˈkoʊrt- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR courtship ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the wooing of one person by another.
the period during which such wooing takes place.
solicitation of favors, applause, etc.
Ethology. behavior in animals that occurs before and during mating, often including elaborate displays.
Obsolete. courtly behavior; courtesy; gallantry.

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Origin of courtship

First recorded in 1580–90; court + -ship

Words nearby courtship

courting mirror, courtly, courtly love, courtrai, courtroom, courtship, courtship display, courtside, courtyard, couru, couscous
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to courtship

engagement, pursuit, courting, love, lovemaking, suit, wooing

Example sentences from the Web for courtship

British Dictionary definitions for courtship

courtship
/ (ˈkɔːtʃɪp) /

noun

the act, period, or art of seeking the love of someone with intent to marry
the seeking or soliciting of favours
obsolete courtly behaviour
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