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Definitions

courtly

[kawrt-lee, kohrt-] / ˈkɔrt li, ˈkoʊrt- /


Example Sentences

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Meanwhile, in Columbia, the state capital, the book came to the attention of Dick Harpootlian, Alex Murdaugh’s courtly but foul-mouthed attorney.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 24, 2026

Amir Khusrau, an Indo-Persian poet who documented courtly life during the reign of Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, mentioned two types of naans in his writings - naan-e-tanuk and naan-i-tanuri.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2025

The courtly gentleman guided women around the floor to big band standards with all the aplomb of teenage boys waltzing at a cotillion dance they’ve been forced to attend by their parents.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2025

Best of all is the lively triple-time finale, which evokes the long history of courtly hunting music, with an alluring short section in minor key.

From New York Times ● May 9, 2024

Nately’s father was a courtly white-haired gentleman who dressed impeccably; this old man was an uncouth bum.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

In some ways, Gucci Mane is a holdover from this older, meaner era, which is one reason that a younger, courtlier peer like Drake is so eager to get his blessing.

From The New Yorker ● Aug. 1, 2016

Mr. Kuhn favors a courtlier style, crisp and precise.

From New York Times ● May 15, 2016

His competitive instincts could overwhelm his gentler, courtlier ones.

From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2016

In comportment and style, Byrd often seemed a Senate throwback to a courtlier 19th century.

From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2010

O, this is the Prince that I would sing— Would drape and garnish in velvet line Since courtlier far than any king Is this brave boy-friend of mine!

From Nye and Riley's Wit and Humor (Poems and Yarns) by Bill Nye

But Mr. Lovano gave it his courtliest treatment, caressing the wistful melody with a whispery, feathery grace.

From New York Times ● Jul. 26, 2013

He is the most reticent of directors -- where the book ogles, the film discreetly observes -- and, here, the courtliest of stars.

From Time Magazine Archive

Gottfried von Cramm, who put Budge out in the semi-finals that year, greeted the Queen with the courtliest bow of the dav.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lord Stafford was the courtliest of gentlemen and the most liberal of landlords.

From Norfolk Annals A Chronological Record of Remarkable Events in the Nineteeth Century, Vol. 2 by Charles Mackie

Thou wert the courtliest Knight that ever drew sword, and the faithfulest friend that ever bestrode a horse.

From The Book of Romance by H. J. (Henry Justice) Ford




Vocabulary lists containing courtly


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