court
UK: kɔːt | US: kɔːrt
n. 1. a place where legal trials are held
n. 2. the residence of a sovereign or dignitary
n. 3. an area for playing sports like tennis or basketball
vt. 1. to seek the favor or attention of someone (e.g., romantically or politically)
The word "court" traces back to Latin cohors (genitive cohortis), meaning "enclosed yard" or "retinue." It entered Old French as cort or court, referring to a sovereign's residence or a judicial assembly. The term evolved to encompass both physical spaces (e.g., royal courts, sports courts) and abstract concepts (e.g., courtship, legal proceedings). The dual meaning reflects the historical overlap between royal gatherings and judicial authority in medieval Europe.
The case was settled in the Supreme Court.
The king held lavish banquets at his court.
They reserved a tennis court for the weekend.
He tried to court her with flowers and letters.
The politician courted voters with bold promises.