courtly love

noun

: a late medieval conventionalized code prescribing conduct and emotions of ladies and their lovers

Examples of courtly love in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The association of Valentine's Day with romantic love can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the notion of courtly love flourished. Maeghan Dolph, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024 Based on several ancient saints (perhaps as many as four different religious people), the day came to be associated with courtly love in the Middle Ages, and still later came to be associated primarily with cards, chocolates and roses. Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of courtly love was in 1702

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Cite this Entry

“Courtly love.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courtly%20love. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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