I. ˈkər]d.əsē, ˈkə̄], ˈkəi], ]tə-, esp Brit ˈkȯ]; sense 4 and courtesy III are “ or like curtsy \ noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English curteisie, corteisie, from Old French, from curteis, corteis courteous + -ie -y
1.
a. : courteous behavior : well-mannered conduct indicative of respect for or consideration of others
here was true courtesy — the civil deed that shows the good heart — E.M.Forster
b. : a courteous act or expression : a favor courteously performed
rising to receive him with every refinement of manner known to the time and with all the engaging graces and courtesies — Charles Dickens
c. archaic : a conventional expression of respect (as a bow)
2.
a. : the sanction of general allowance or acceptance with goodwill despite facts or official regulation : indulgence
mountains they are called … but they are such by courtesy only, for … the largest rises little more than 1300 feet — Hodding Carter
b. : consideration, cooperation, and generosity in providing or according (as a gift, loan, or privilege) : gratuity , gift
the flowers were placed in the church through the courtesy of the florist
the player's costumes are by courtesy of the department store
also : agency , means
all … swung obligingly into place … by courtesy of a revolving stage — Robert Lawrence
3. : curtesy
4. : curtsy I
II. adjective
1. : granted or performed as a courtesy or by way of courtesy
a courtesy letter
courtesy visit
: acting as or performing a courtesy
2. : popularly conceded but not legally valid
a courtesy rank
: done or performed as a ceremony usually without official significance
courtesy inspections
3. : enjoying privileges of membership without officially belonging
a hospital's courtesy staff of doctors
: conveying or granting privileges of membership to nonmembers
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: curtsy II