Cortesana (en. Courtesan)

/korte'sana/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
A woman who provides companionship and sexual services in exchange for financial support, often associated with nobility or aristocracy.
In the court, courtesans were very influential and often maintained relationships with powerful figures.
En la corte, las cortesanas eran muy influyentes y a menudo mantenían relaciones con personajes poderosos.
In past times, particularly in Europe, such women were considered almost as artists or muses.
Renaissance courtesans were admired for their beauty and sophistication.
Las cortesanas del Renacimiento eran admiradas por su belleza y sofisticación.

Etymology

From Italian 'cortigiana', meaning 'woman of the court'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

life of a courtesan
Lifestyle focused on luxury and the company of wealthy people.
vida de cortesana
luxury courtesan
A woman who offers her sexual services at a high price, often in aristocratic circles.
cortesana de lujo
lady of the court
Woman who lives in the court, with a social role and often in a advisory capacity.
dama de la corte

Related Words

whore
Woman who engages in prostitution, in general.
meretriz
prostitution
Activity of offering sexual services in exchange for money.
prostitución
luxury
Condition of having wealth and a quality of life above the ordinary.
lujo

Slang Meanings

Woman who has relationships with wealthy men for interest.
That girl is just looking to be a courtesan, she isn't seeking true love.
Esa chica solo está buscando ser una cortesana, no busca amor verdadero.
Term used to refer to a woman who seduces for her appearance.
At the party, she looked like a courtesan thanks to her elegant dress.
En la fiesta, parecía una cortesana gracias a su vestido elegante.