courtesy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Polite behavior.

   Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.

2. 2
   noun

   A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.

   I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy.

3. 3
   noun

   Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.

   They call this pond a lake by courtesy only.

4. 4
   noun

   Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.

   They received free advertising through the courtesy of the local newspaper.

5. 5
   noun

   A curtsey.

   The lady drops a courtesy in token of obedience, and the ceremony proceeds as usual.

6. 6
   adj

   Given or done as a polite gesture.

   We paid a courtesy visit to the new neighbors.

7. 7
   adj

   Supplied free of charge.

   The event planners offered courtesy tickets for the reporters.

8. 8
   noun

   a courteous or respectful or considerate act

Etymology

From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix). By surface analysis, court + -esy.