courtly
adjective
- noble/courteous/refined (positively appropriate for the court of a ruler)
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈkɔːtli/ / /ˈkɔɹtli/
adj
Etymology: From Middle English courtly, equivalent to court + -ly.
- Befitting of a royal court; reflecting the manners or behaviour of people at court; stately, rich or fine, and so suitable for a royal court.
“He swept off his hat and made a deep courtly bow.”
“The troubadours sang songs about courtly love.”
- Of or relating to a royal court.
“She tried to remain aloof from courtly intrigues.”
“in houres secure from courtly strife”
- Overly eager to please or obey.
“Here FLATT’RY, eldest born of guile, Weaves with rare skill the silken smile, The courtly cringe, the supple bow, The private squeeze, the Levee vow,”
“That judgment James had notoriously obtained […] by dismissing scrupulous magistrates, and by placing on the bench other magistrates more courtly.”
adv
Etymology: From Middle English courtly, equivalent to court + -ly.
- In the manner of a royal court; in a manner befitting of a royal court.
“Then will I deck thee Princely, instruct thee courtly, And present thee to the Queene as my gift.”
“[…] where, in the name of wonder, have you learn’d to talk so courtly?”