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- Courtisane - meaning & definition
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Translate Files Courtisane (en. Courtesan)
/kuʁ.ti.zan/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
noun
A woman who has romantic and sexual relationships with wealthy men in exchange for protection and financial support.
The courtesan was known for her beauty and intelligence.
La courtisane était connue pour sa beauté et son intelligence.
A woman who frequents aristocratic circles and is often the mistress of a powerful man.
She became a courtesan to the king.
Elle est devenue une courtisane auprès du roi.
A term often used pejoratively to describe a woman whose romantic relationships seem driven by self-interest.
He called her a courtesan because of her lifestyle.
Il l'a qualifiée de courtisane à cause de son style de vie.
Etymology
From Old French 'courtisane', derived from 'courtisan', meaning 'courtly behavior' or 'related to the court'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
live like a courtesan
Lead a luxurious life thanks to the attention of wealthy men.
vivre comme une courtisane
luxury courtesan
A kept woman who benefits from exceptional material conditions.
courtisane de luxe
modern-day courtesan
A woman who associates with men for financial reasons under the guise of romantic relationships.
courtisane des temps modernes
Related Words
courtier
A man who associates with women of the court, often linked to relationships with courtesans.
courtisan
favorite
A man privileged by a powerful woman, similar to a courtesan but for men.
favori
maintenance
A sum of money or goods given to a courtesan by her protector.
entretien
Slang Meanings
Sex work with a positive connotation.
She is a 'notch' in Paris, a highly appreciated courtesan.
Elle est une 'coche' à Paris, une courtisane très appréciée.
Pleasure provider, often associated with meeting places.
She is a 'girl of the night', a courtesan who frequents clubs.
C'est une 'fille de la nuit', une courtisane qui fréquente les clubs.