/kerr"teuh see/ or, for 5, /kerrt"see/ , n. , pl. courtesies , adj.
n.
1. excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior.
2. a courteous, respectful, or considerate act or expression.
3. indulgence, consent, or acquiescence: a "colonel" by courtesy rather than by right.
4. favor, help, or generosity: The costumes for the play were by courtesy of the local department store.
5. a curtsy.
adj.
6. done or performed as a matter of courtesy or protocol: a courtesy call on the mayor.
7. offered or provided free by courtesy of the management: While waiting to board the airplane, we were provided with courtesy coffee.
[ 1175-1225; ME curteisie 3 ]
Syn. 1. courteousness, civility, urbanity.