noun
courtesan
kaw-tih-ZAN
noun
1
Historically, a woman — often glamorous and educated — who had wealthy or high-status men as lovers or clients, sometimes at a royal court.
"The novel is set in the world of Venetian courtesans during the Renaissance."
How to Use Courtesan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA historical term for a woman who had relationships with wealthy or noble men, often in exchange for support.
Word Forms
courtesans plural
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The novel is set in the world of Venetian _____ during the Renaissance.
Etymology
From Middle French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana (feminine of cortigiano, "courtier"), ultimately from "court."