courtship
[ kawrt-ship, kohrt- ]
/ ˈkɔrt ʃɪp, ˈkoʊrt- /
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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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples 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
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Word Origin and History for courtship
courtship
1570s, "behavior of a courtier," from court (n.) + -ship. Meaning "paying court to a woman with intention of marriage" is from 1590s.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper