curtesy Hear it!

curtesy Definition

cur·tesy (kʉrt′ə sē)

noun pl. curtesies -·sies

the life interest which a husband acquires in the lands of his wife upon her death, provided they have children capable of inheriting: curtesy has been altered or abolished by statute in many U.S. states and in England

Etymology: var. of courtesy

curtesy Law Definition

n

Under the common law, a husband’s entitlement to a life estate in all the land that his wife possessed at her death in either fee simple or fee tail, provided the couple had a living child who was capable of inheriting his or her mother’s estate. This right has been abolished in most states. See also dower.
curtesy consummate
The name of a husband’s right of curtesy after his wife’s death.
curtesy initiate
The name of a husband’s right of curtesy before his wife’s death, once the right is created upon the birth of the couple’s first child.
curtesy Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • call: Indicate also if you would like a curtesy call to discuss your requirements.