Dictionary entries for 'court'

Synonyms

court (kôrt, kōrt)

[Middle English, from Old French cort, from Latin cohors, cohort-, courtyard, retinue.]

noun

1. An extent of open ground partially or completely enclosed by walls or buildings; a courtyard.
2. A short street, especially a wide alley walled by buildings on three sides.
3. A large open section of a building, often with a glass roof or skylight.
4. A large building, such as a mansion, standing in a courtyard.
1. The place of residence of a sovereign or dignitary; a royal mansion or palace.
2. The retinue of a sovereign, including the royal family and personal servants, advisers, and ministers.
3. A sovereign's governing body, including the council of ministers and state advisers.
4. A formal meeting or reception presided over by a sovereign.
Law
1. A person or body of persons whose task is to hear and submit a decision on cases at law.
2. The building, hall, or room in which such cases are heard and determined.
3. The regular session of a judicial assembly.
4. A similar authorized tribunal having military or ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
Sports An open level area marked with appropriate lines, upon which a game, such as tennis, handball, or basketball, is played.
The body of directors of an organization, especially of a corporation.
A legislative assembly.

1. To attempt to gain; seek: courting wealth and fame.
2. To behave so as to invite or incur: courts disaster by taking drugs.
To try to gain the love or affections of, especially to seek to marry.
To attempt to gain the favor of by attention or flattery: a salesperson courting a potential customer.
Zoology To behave so as to attract (a mate).

pay court to: To flatter with solicitous overtures in an attempt to obtain something or clear away antagonism. To seek someone's love; woo.