COURTESAN Meaning and
Definition
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A courtesan is a historically recognized term for a woman who engages in romantic or sexual relationships in exchange for financial compensation or other forms of material support. The term originates from the French word "courtisane," which suggests a woman associated with the royal court. Courtesans were highly skilled in social graces and were often educated in various arts such as music, dancing, literature, and conversation.
Unlike a prostitute, a courtesan was typically chosen by her patrons for their companionship, intelligence, and charm rather than solely for sexual services. They were often the mistresses of wealthy and influential men who sought their company as a status symbol and a source of intellectual and emotional stimulation.
Courtesans were often well-dressed and adorned with luxurious jewelry and accessories, highlighting their elevated social status. As an integral part of elite circles, they often attended high-profile events and were known for their wit and entertaining conversational skills. However, their role was not considered respectable in the eyes of society, and they were often subject to societal criticism and taboo.
In some historical contexts, courtesans wielded considerable power and influence due to their close relationships with powerful men. They could impact political decisions or sway opinions through their connections and social influence.
Today, the term "courtesan" is rarely used and has largely been replaced with words like "escort" or "companion" to describe individuals providing similar services.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for COURTESAN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for COURTESAN
Etymology of COURTESAN
The word "courtesan" originated from the Italian term "cortigiana", which meant a woman associated with the court. The Italian word was derived from the Middle Latin term "curtisanus", which referred to a person or servant of the court. "Curtisanus" itself came from the Latin word "curtis", meaning "court". Over time, the term "courtesan" evolved to specifically describe a high-class prostitute or mistress, often associated with the luxurious lifestyle of the aristocracy.
Similar spelling words for COURTESAN
- cortez,
- cortese,
- courtois,
- cortex,
- corythosaur,
- courtesy,
- courteous,
- courts,
- cortege,
- court game,
- cordes,
- courteously,
- court card,
- courthouse,
- cortes.
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