court

noun

1. 1. an uncovered space wholly or partly surrounded by buildings or walls; courtyard
   2. a special section or area of a building, as a museum, somewhat like such a space but roofed, as with a skylight
2. a short street, often closed at one end
3. 1. a specially prepared space, usually quadrangular and often enclosed and roofed, for playing any of several games, as basketball, handball, tennis, or squash
   2. any of the divisions of such a space
4. a mansion or manor with a large, uncovered entrance area: now used only in proper names Hampton Court
5. ☆ a motel
   in full motor court
6. 1. the palace of a sovereign
   2. the family, advisors, and attendants of a sovereign, considered as a group
   3. a sovereign together with councilors, ministers, etc. as a governing body
   4. any formal gathering, reception, etc. held by a sovereign
7. respectful or flattering attention paid to someone in order to get something
8. courtship; wooing
9. Brit. the board of directors of a corporation
10. 1. a person or persons appointed to try law cases, make investigations, etc.; judge or judges; law court
    2. a building or hall where trials are held, official investigations made, etc.
    3. a judicial assembly, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or military; also, a regular session of such an assembly

Etymology: OFr < VL curtis < L cohors (gen. cohortis), enclosed place: see cohort

transitive verb

1. to pay respectful or flattering attention to (a person) in order to get something
2. to try to get the love of; seek as a mate; woo
3. to try to get; seek to court success
4. to make oneself open or liable to to court insults

intransitive verb

adjective