Curtesies

/ˈkɜːrtəsiz/ noun

Definition

An archaic or variant plural of courtesy; plural forms of the noun courtesy, meaning polite gestures or respectful behaviors.

Etymology

From courtesy (Old French cortesie) plus regular English plural -ies. This spelling represents an older variant before 'courtesies' was standardized.

Kelly Says

The plural curtesies/courtesies originally meant specific acts of politeness—every bow and formal gesture counted as a separate 'courtesy,' so a well-mannered person performed many of them!

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