The lady drops a courtesy in token of obedience, and
the ceremony proceeds as usual. --Golgsmith.
And trust thy honest-offered courtesy, With oft is
sooner found in lowly sheds, With smoky rafters,
than in tapestry walls And courts of princes, where
it first was named, And yet is most pretended.
--Milton.
Pardon me, Messer Claudio, if once more I use the
ancient courtesies of speech. --Longfellow.
2. An act of civility or respect; an act of kindness or favor
performed with politeness.
My lord, for your many courtesies I thank you.
--Shak.
3. Favor or indulgence, as distinguished from right; as, a
title given one by courtesy.
{Courtesy title}, a title assumed by a person, or popularly
conceded to him, to which he has no valid claim; as, the
courtesy title of Lord prefixed to the names of the
younger sons of noblemen.
Syn: Politiness; urbanity; civility; complaisance;
affability; courteousness; elegance; refinement;
courtliness; good breeding. See {Politeness}.