courtisan

courtier

noun koor-tee-ZAHN Rare

Also means

sycophant

Usage Note

courtisan historically denoted a nobleman attending the royal court, especially that of Versailles. In modern usage it is almost always pejorative, implying a flatterer who seeks favour from those in power. The feminine courtisane has a separate, more specific historical meaning as a high-class courtesan.

Examples

"Les courtisans cherchaient la faveur du roi."

Natural Translation

The courtiers sought the king's favour.

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