noun
courtier
KOR-tee-er/ˈkɔːrtiər/
A person who attends a royal court or seeks favor there.
The courtier bows before the seated king while presenting a document.
Etymology
Cortoiier meant 'to be at court' or 'live at court'; courtier names a person associated with that activity. The court here is the sovereign's residence and surrounding company.
In context
the life of a courtier tended to to mimic that of the queen to a lesser extent but it was very much dictated by the Queen's routines
More examples
- Several courtiers compete for the king’s attention.
- A trusted courtier carries the queen’s message to the ambassador.
- The young courtier hopes his lavish gifts will win royal favor.
Forms
courtier · courtiers
court noun — A sovereign’s household and accompanying attendants.
Similar words
- attendant
- Emphasizes service rather than membership in a royal court.
- retainer
- A dependent follower or servant, not necessarily at court.