n.
    - 
(also court of law)
 a body of people before whom judicial cases are heard. ▸the place where a court meets. 
- a quadrangular area marked out for ball games such as tennis. ▸a quadrangle surrounded by a building or group of buildings. 
- the establishment, retinue, and courtiers of a sovereign.
- the qualified members of a company or a corporation.
v.
   - dated be involved with romantically, typically with the intention of marrying. ▸(of a male bird or other animal) try to attract (a mate). 
- attempt to win the support or favour of. ▸go to great lengths to win (favourable attention). 
- risk incurring (misfortune) because of the way one behaves.
Phrase
  
    - out of court
 before a legal hearing can take place.
- pay court to
 pay flattering attention to.
 
  Etymology
  ME: from OFr. cort, from L. cohors, cohort- ‘yard or retinue’; the verb is influenced by Old Ital. corteare, OFr. courtoyer.