ˈkər]d.ēəs, ˈkə̄], ˈkəi], ]tēəs, esp Brit ˈkȯ] or ].tyəs adjective
Etymology: alteration (influenced by -eous ) of earlier curtes, curtayse, from Middle English curteis, corteis, from Old French, from court, cort court — more at court
1. : marked by polished manners, gallantry, or ceremonial usage of a court : befitting a chevalier, courtier, or cosmopolitan
presentation at St. James's had made him courteous — Jane Austen
this love was courteous , delicately ceremonial, precise — H.O.Taylor
2. : marked by respect for and consideration of others : observing gentle or polished forms of social conduct often with inner sincerity : well-mannered
too courteous and considerate to make stubborn subordinates yield — Allan Nevins & H.S.Commager
most courteous and helpful in assisting me — Ellsworth Huntington
Synonyms: see civil