Dictionary entry

Court (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Court, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Courted; p. pr. & vb. n.Courting.] 1. To endeavor to gain the favor of by attention or flattery; to try to ingratiate one's self with.

By one person, hovever, Portland was still assiduously courted.

Macaulay.

2. To endeavor to gain the affections of; to seek in marriage; to woo.

If either of you both love Katharina...

Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.

Shak.

3. To attempt to gain; to solicit; to seek.

They might almost seem to have courted the crown of martyrdom.

Prescott.

Guilt and misery... court privacy and solitude.

De Quincey.

4. To invite by attractions; to allure; to attract.

A well-worn pathway courted us

To one green wicket in a privet hedge.

Tennyson.