■ noun
1》 (also ~ of law ) a body of people before whom judicial cases are heard.
↘the place where a ~ meets.
2》 a quadrangular area marked out for ball games such as tennis.
↘a quadrangle surrounded by a building or group of buildings.
3》 the establishment, retinue, and ~iers of a sovereign.
4》 the qualified members of a company or a corporation.
■ verb
1》 dated be involved with romantically, typically with the intention of marrying.
↘(of a male bird or other animal) try to attract (a mate).
2》 attempt to win the support or favour of.
↘go to great lengths to win (favourable attention).
3》 risk incurring (misfortune) because of the way one behaves.
Phrases
out of ~ before a legal hearing can take place.
pay ~ to pay flattering attention to.
Origin
ME: from OFr. cort , from L. cohors , cohort- 'yard or retinue'; the verb is influenced by Old Ital. corteare , OFr. ~oyer .