Etymology Map
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Courtesy

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means polite, considerate behaviour

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

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

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.