courtesy

Where does the word "courtesy" come from? It comes from Latin cohors, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Courtesy’s story begins in Latin: cohors meant “enclosed yard.” A farmyard or enclosure, which gave 'court', a royal household. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as cortoisie. The refined behaviour expected at a lord's court. It reached English by 1200s as courtesy. 'curtsy' is a shortened form of the same word. Today, courtesy means polite, considerate behaviour.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient cohors "enclosed yard", a farmyard or enclosure, which gave 'court', a royal household.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval cortoisie "courtly manners", the refined behaviour expected at a lord's court.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s courtesy "politeness", 'curtsy' is a shortened form of the same word.