courtier

[ kawr-tee-er, kohr- ]

noun

1. a person who is often in attendance at the court of a king or other royal personage.
2. a person who seeks favor by flattery, charm, etc.

courtier

/ ˈkɔːtɪə /

noun

1. an attendant at a court
2. a person who seeks favour in an ingratiating manner

Other Words From

• under·courti·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtier¹

1250–1300; Middle English courteour < Anglo-French courte ( i ) our, equivalent to Old French cortoy ( er ) to attend at court (derivative of court court ) + Anglo-French -our < Latin -ōr- -or ²; suffix later conformed to -ier ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtier¹

C13: from Anglo-French courteour (unattested), from Old French corteier to attend at court

Example Sentences

Rhaenyra half-smiles at her courtier’s assurance that sowing rhetoric to counter Aemond and Alicent’s could help her.

From Salon

Galitzine says as much, likening his courtier’s experience to that of an actor “growing into the spotlight.”

From Salon

Mary funds a trip to France where George’s mentors train him to speak well, dance and be a top-shelf, sexually adaptable courtier.

From Salon

Trump appeared with his favorite courtier, Sean Hannity, this week and was asked very politely if he had any intention of becoming a dictator.

From Salon

Unlike the conniving courtier Stone played in “The Favourite,” Bella doesn’t have a calculating bone in her body; she’s all reckless id, a purely instinctual creature.

From Los Angeles Times