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

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

From Salon

There, courtiers feel there is a need to see the monarch in action carrying out some of his duties.

From BBC

It was worn by senior courtiers at coronations and other major festivals.

From BBC

Moctezuma is a capricious ruler who executes courtiers for minute breaches of protocol and who might just lose an entire kingdom for want of a horse.

From Los Angeles Times

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