/ ˈkɔːr.t̬ə.zæn / add to word list a woman, usually with a high social position, who in the past had sexual relationships with rich or important men in exchange for money (definition of courtesan from the cambridge advanced learner's dictionary & thesaurus © cambridge university press) (especially in historical use) a mistress, paramour, or prostitute, especially one associating with noblemen or men of wealth. See examples of courtesan used in a sentence. One associating with noblemen or men of wealth Meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the oxford english dictionary Definition of courtesan noun in oxford advanced learner's dictionary
Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. From the renaissance on, european kings and noblemen often kept a courtesan, that is, a woman with whom they had a relationship but were not married to The courtesan got her name quite literally from the royal court where she lived. The word “courtesan” historically refers to a woman who was a companion or mistress of a wealthy or influential man, often engaging in romantic or sexual relationships in exchange for financial support or social status. A woman prostitute, especially one whose clients are members of a royal court or men of high social standing.
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