courtly

[ kawrt-lee, kohrt- ]

adjective

, court·li·er, court·li·est.

1. polite, refined, or elegant:

   courtly manners.

2. flattering; obsequious.
3. noting, pertaining to, or suitable for the court of a sovereign.

adverb

1. in a courtly manner; politely or flatteringly.

courtly

/ ˈkɔːtlɪ /

adjective

1. of or suitable for a royal court
2. refined in manner
3. ingratiating

Derived Forms

• ˈcourtliness, noun

Other Words From

• courtli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtly¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; court, -ly

Example Sentences

And he is seen as "the courtly gentleman of the Marble Palace," as Time Magazine described him.

From Salon

Best of all is the lively triple-time finale, which evokes the long history of courtly hunting music, with an alluring short section in minor key.

From New York Times

It’s not immediately apparent how courtly intrigue figures in “A Prince,” Pierre Creton’s spellbinding French pastoral drama, though sex, death and domination hang palpably in the film’s crisp, Normandy air.

From New York Times

At the church, Murray was known as a courtly workaholic, in before dawn most days and often in his book-filled study until late at night.

From Los Angeles Times

The effect is both casual and courtly: Her women lounge on couches and read magazines.

From New York Times

Related Words

• affable
• aristocratic
• civilized
• dignified
• elegant
• gallant
• gracious
• polite
• stately