Cortois

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Showing respect and good manners toward others, in the refined way associated with medieval courtly society
2. Behaving with polite grace and consideration, as an archaic term for a gentle and well-bred person
3. Marked by gentle courtesy and refined conduct, the sort of manners expected at a noble court

Etymology: Before it described good manners, this word described life at a royal court. It comes from Old French "cortois," formed from "cort," meaning court, plus a suffix that marks a quality or characteristic. Someone "cortois" was simply someone who behaved as courtiers were expected to behave. The core idea was refinement. Court life rewarded smooth speech, careful deference, and self-restraint, so those qualities came to be prized as courtesy. Medieval romances about courtly knights reinforced the association, and the adjective shifted from describing a place and its customs to describing a person's conduct toward others.