courtoises

Courtoises is the feminine plural form of the French adjective courtois, meaning courteous or refined. It is not a common stand-alone noun in modern French; when encountered, it usually functions as an adjective or as a rare noun form referring to women described as courteous. In standard usage, the more common noun for the concept is courtoisie (courtesy).

Etymology and form: The word derives from Old French curteis, related to the modern courtois and courtoise. The term reflects the broader cultural ideal of courtliness that permeated aristocratic life in medieval and early modern Europe.

Usage and context: As a noun, courtoises is infrequently used today and is more frequently encountered in historical or literary contexts. When used, it can denote women associated with courtly manners or with a culture of refined social ritual. More often, writers speak of la courtoisie (courtliness) or describe individuals as courtois/courtoise (courteous) rather than using courtoises as a plural noun.

Cultural significance: The concept linked to courtoise is central to the medieval and Renaissance ideologies of courtliness, etiquette, and refined behavior at courts. It intersects with themes of chivalry and courtly love, where politeness and ritualized behavior were valued markers of social status.

See also: courtoisie, courtois, etiquette, chivalry, courtly love.

Notes: Courtoises is primarily of linguistic and historical interest, illustrating how gendered forms of adjectives can appear as rare noun phrases in French.