court
/ˈkɔɹt/ noun A2- An enclosed space; a courtyard; an uncovered area shut in by the walls of a building, or by different buildings; also, a space opening from a street and nearly surrounded by houses; a blind alley. · The girls were playing in the court.
- A housing estate under the Home Ownership Scheme.
- An apartment building, or a small development of several apartment buildings.
- The residence of a sovereign, prince, nobleman, or other dignitary; a palace. · The noblemen visited the queen in her court.
- The collective body of persons composing the retinue of a sovereign or person high in authority; all the surroundings of a sovereign in his regal state. · Meronym: royal household· The queen and her court traveled to the city to welcome back the soldiers.
- Any formal assembling of the retinue of a sovereign.
- Attention directed to a person in power; behaviour designed to gain favor; politeness of manner; civility towards someone.
- The hall, chamber, or place, where justice is administered. · Many famous criminals have been put on trial in this court.· Mr Smith wasn't in all day; he had to go to court.
Plural courts
From the library
“That’s Audley Court in there,” he said, pointing to a narrow slit in the line of dead-coloured brick.
First they came to a great hall in which were many ladies and gentlemen of the court, all dressed in rich costumes.
“Madame,” replied Villefort, with a mournful smile, “I have already had the honor to observe that my father has—at least, I hope so—abjured his past errors, and that he is, at the present moment, a firm and zealous friend to religion and order—a better royalist, possibly, than his son; for he has to atone for past dereliction, while I have no other impulse than warm, decided preference and conviction.” Having made this well-turned speech, Villefort looked carefully around to mark the effect of his oratory, much as he would have done had he been addressing the bench in open court.
I never was in a law-court; I am told it is so very amusing!”
Other matches
Learn court in real texts
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