courtesie

Noun

courtesy (countable and uncountable, plural courtesies)

1. (uncountable) Polite behavior.
   • Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.
2. (countable) A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.
   • I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy.
3. (uncountable) Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.
   • They call this pond a lake by courtesy only.
4. (uncountable) Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.
   • They received free advertising through the courtesy of the local newspaper.
5. (dated) A curtsey.
   • The lady drops a courtesy in token of obedience, and the ceremony proceeds as usual.1760, Oliver Goldsmith, The Citizen of the World
6. The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.

See all 8 meanings of courtesy