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.