noun
courtesan
KOR-tih-zun/ˈkɔːrtɪzn/
A prostitute or mistress supported by wealthy or powerful patrons.
The historical sequence depicts a courtesan receiving payments from wealthy patrons.
Etymology
Cortigiana literally meant 'woman of the court,' but was used mockingly or euphemistically for a prostitute. The courtly wording thus served as an indirect label rather than simply naming a female court attendant.
In context
An Amritzar courtesan near the window sniffed behind her head drapery.
More examples
- The portrait depicts a celebrated courtesan at court.
- The biography examines a courtesan’s financial dependence on wealthy lovers.
- The drama contrasts the courtesan’s public status with her private insecurity.
Forms
courtesan · courtesans
Similar words
- mistress
- Mistress describes a continuing extramarital relationship; courtesan implies patron-supported sexual or romantic arrangements with elite clients.
- sex worker
- Sex worker is the broad modern category; courtesan describes a particular historical social role.