courtesy

Etymology

From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix).

noun

1. (uncountable) Polite behavior.
   Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.
   He was always known for his grace, kindness, and courtesy to people of every rank.
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.
   Rabbit doesn't want to tell him anything. The more he tells, the more he loses. He's safe inside his own skin, he doesn't want to come out. This guy's whole game is to get him out into the open where he can be manipulated. But the fierce convention of courtesy pries open Rabbit's lips. 1960, John Updike, 'Rabbit, Run', page 108
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.
   [on a label, caption, etc.] Courtesy the Smith Foundation: [e.g.] use of this image was allowed through the courtesy of the Smith Foundation.
5. 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. (law) The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife.

verb

1. Alternative form of curtsey

adj

1. Given or done as a polite gesture.
   We paid a courtesy visit to the new neighbors.
2. Supplied free of charge.
   The event planners offered courtesy tickets for the reporters.