courtship

[kawrt-ship, kohrt-]

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.

courtship

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtship¹

First recorded in 1580–90; court + -ship

Example Sentences

This courtship has developed its own love language.

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A tarantula love act begins with a courtship ritual.

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They married in 1950, just before Bhumibol's coronation, after a courtship that began as he recovered from a car crash in Switzerland which cost him the sight of one eye.

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Apples in their entirety were known to symbolize romance and, later, spiritualism and courtship, namely during the 19th century.

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Meanwhile—“Ragtime” is a show of many meanwhiles—the increasingly successful Coalhouse, unbeknownst to him the father of the child, goes in search of Sarah, and eventually finds her and begins a dedicated courtship.

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Related Words

• courting 
• engagement 
• pursuit