noun

courtship

courtship, wooing

They had a long courtship before getting married.

They had a long courtship before getting married.

The male bird performs a courtship display.

The male bird performs a courtship display.

((a courtship)) the period before marriage They had a brief courtship before their wedding.

((courtship display/ritual)) animal mating behavior The birds began their courtship ritual.

Synonyms: wooing, dating, romance

From 'court' (in the sense of 'to seek favor') + '-ship' (a suffix indicating state or condition).

Imagine someone trying to win favor in a royal 'court', but for love. The '-ship' suffix is like in 'friendship'.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.