Courtier
/ˈkɔːr.ti.ər/noun
A person who attends a royal court as a companion, adviser, or flatterer.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Latin *cohors*, originally meaning an enclosed yard or retinue, so a courtier is literally someone who belongs to the ruler’s inner “enclosure.”
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
cohors
“An enclosed yard, retinue, or company of attendants.”
Late Latin
Latin
cortis
“An enclosed court or yard.”
Old French
Old French
cortier
“A person associated with a court.”
Middle English
English
courtier
“An attendant at a royal court.”
Modern English
English
courtier
“A person who attends a royal court as a companion, adviser, or flatterer.”