court
Old Frenchenclosed yard, royal residence, place of justice
About This Root
From Old French cort, from Latin cohors (enclosed yard, retinue). The enclosed space evolved into a place of governance and manners — court (royal residence or legal tribunal), courtyard (enclosed yard), courteous (having court-like manners), courtesy (polite behavior), courtship (wooing as done at court), and courthouse. The progression from 'yard' to 'royal seat' to 'politeness' traces a cultural journey.
Associated Words · 8
court
To seek to achieve or win; An enclosed space; a courtyard; an uncovered area shut in by the walls of a building, or by different buildings; also, a space opening from a street and nearly surrounded...
courtesy
Polite behavior; a polite gesture or remark
courtyard
An open area enclosed by walls or buildings
courthouse
A public building housing courts of law
courtship
The process of pursuing a romantic relationship, often leading to marriage
courteous
Polite and respectful in manner
courtly
Refined and elegant in manner, as befitting a royal court
courteously
In a polite and respectful manner