court

court [kôrt]

n.

[OFr < VL curtis < L cohors (gen. cohortis), enclosed place: see COHORT]

1.

a) an uncovered space wholly or partly surrounded by buildings or walls; courtyard

b) a special section or area of a building, as a museum, somewhat like such a space but roofed, as with a skylight

2. a short street, often closed at one end

3.

a) a specially prepared space, usually quadrangular and often enclosed and roofed, for playing any of several games, as basketball, handball, tennis, or squash

b) any of the divisions of such a space

4. a mansion or manor with a large, uncovered entrance area: now used only in proper names [Hampton Court ]

☆ 5. a motel: in full motor court

6.

a) the palace of a sovereign

b) the family, advisors, and attendants of a sovereign, considered as a group

c) a sovereign together with councilors, ministers, etc. as a governing body

d) any formal gathering, reception, etc. held by a sovereign

7. respectful or flattering attention paid to someone in order to get something

8. courtship; wooing

9. Brit. the board of directors of a corporation

10.

a) a person or persons appointed to try law cases, make investigations, etc.; judge or judges; law court

b) a building or hall where trials are held, official investigations made, etc.

c) a judicial assembly, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or military; also, a regular session of such an assembly

vt.

1. to pay respectful or flattering attention to (a person) in order to get something

2. to try to get the love of; seek as a mate; woo

3. to try to get; seek [to court success]

4. to make oneself open or liable to [to court insults]

vi.

to carry on a courtship; woo

adj.

of or fit for a court

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in one's court

1. in one's side of the court, as a ball in a tennis game

2. under one's control, as a decision to be made

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out of court

1. without a trial in a law court

2. not important enough for consideration or examination

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pay court to

to court, as for favor or love

courter

n.