noun
court
A ruler's household and formal circle of attendants.
The ambassador presents his credentials before the royal court.
Etymology
Latin cohors could name an enclosure or a company. A ruler’s residence gave its name to the household and attendants gathered there, producing the social and ceremonial sense of court.
More examples
- Musicians performed for the court each evening.
- Several advisers held influence at court.
- The queen's court traveled with her to the summer palace.
Forms
court · courts
Similar words
- entourage
- An accompanying group without necessarily belonging to a royal household.
- retinue
- Retinue names attendants rather than the whole royal institution and household.