curtsy
curtsy Lexical Profile
curtsy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A traditional gesture of respect or greeting made primarily by women and girls, performed by placing one foot behind the other and bending the knees while lowering the body slightly.
"The ballerina offered a graceful curtsy to the applauding audience at the end of the performance."
• verb
To perform a curtsy by bending the knees with one foot behind the other as a formal sign of respect or greeting.
"The young girl curtsied politely when she was introduced to the visiting dignitary."
Word Nuance & Usage
Also spelled 'curtsey', especially in British English; although historically a variant of 'courtesy', it is now restricted specifically to the physical gesture of bending the knees.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in the 16th century as a contracted phonetic variant of 'courtesy', from Old French 'curteisie' (courtly manners), referring to the formal expression of respect in royal courts.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.