curtsy

Or curt·sey

[kurt-see]

noun

plural

curtsies 

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

verb (used without object)

curtsied, curtsying 

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

"Because he said he would arrive at four o'clock in the afternoon. He arrived at seven o'clock, kept me standing there, practising curtsy and curtsy," she said.

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At 8:12 p.m., the nose of the plane curtsied, and its instruments showed a small bump in cabin pressure.

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Her most famous role was to present the trophies at Wimbledon, where - it was reported - she was instrumental in ending the tradition of players bowing and curtsying when passing the royal box.

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At least imperial courtiers trust in strict codes about curtsies and proper titles.

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"I curtsied. Why did I? I don't know... but we got on like a house on fire."

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