curtsy

or curt·sey

[ kurt-see ]

noun

, plural curt·sies.

1. a respectful bow made by women and girls, consisting of bending the knees and lowering the body.

verb (used without object)

, curt·sied, curt·sy·ing.

1. to make a curtsy.

curtsy

/ ˈkɜːtsɪ /

noun

1. a formal gesture of greeting and respect made by women in which the knees are bent, the head slightly bowed, and the skirt held outwards

verb

1. intr to make a curtsy

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtsy¹

First recorded in 1520–30; variant of courtesy

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtsy¹

C16: variant of courtesy

Example Sentences

I remember the 12-year-old version of myself, practicing my curtsy in case it ever turned out that I, too, was a long-lost royal like Mia Thermopolis, née Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo, Princess of Genovia.

From Time

Like other online clothing resale businesses, Curtsy aims to address the needs of a younger generation of consumers who are looking for a more sustainable alternative when shopping for clothing.

From TechCrunch

"It's Stylites—bob yer curtsy," whispered Agnes in Connie's ear.

From Project Gutenberg

So, as she was about to pass me with a little curtsy and a pretty smile, I stopped her.

From Project Gutenberg

And then the lady went, sweeping a low curtsy to Mr. Dockwrath as she passed out of the room.

From Project Gutenberg

At a flash I had my whipping in a low dipped curtsy and a mocking smile like that she had flung to Falconnet.

From Project Gutenberg

In a moment she returned, dropped him a bit of curtsy, and informed him that her mistress would receive him.

From Project Gutenberg