curteis

Curteis is an archaic English adjective meaning polite or well-mannered. In historical texts it is the spelling you will encounter where modern English would use courteous. The form reflects the broader evolution of courtesy and social behavior in medieval Europe.

The word derives from Old French curteis, meaning courteous or courtly, used to describe behavior befitting a person of rank at court. In English, the spelling 'curteis' circulated during Middle English and Early Modern English, before standardized orthography consolidated on 'courteous'.

In literature and culture, curteis appears in descriptions of polite speech and conduct in medieval works, including romances and chronicles. It connotes both personal civility and the social expectations of chivalric circles, where gracious interaction was valued.

As a surname: Curteis is also attested as a surname in England. It is related to, but distinct from, the more common surname Curtis, and may appear in genealogical records and historical documents. Variants arise from transcription and regional spelling.

Modern usage: Today, curteis survives mainly in quotations from historical texts or as a surname. The modern standard form is courteous.