courtship
    n 1: a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a
         woman (usually with the hope of marriage); "its was a brief
         and intense courtship" [syn: courtship, wooing,
         courting, suit]

Courtship \Court"ship\ (k?rt"sh?p), n.
   1. The act of paying court, with the intent to solicit a
      favor. --Swift.
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   2. The act of wooing in love; solicitation of woman to
      marriage.
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            This method of courtship, [by which] both sides are
            prepared for all the matrimonial adventures that are
            to follow.                            --Goldsmith.
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   3. Courtliness; elegance of manners; courtesy. [Obs.]
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            Trim gallants, full of courtship and of state.
                                                  --Shak.
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   4. Court policy; the character of a courtier; artifice of a
      court; court-craft; finesse. [Obs.]
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            She [the Queen] being composed of courtship and
            Popery.                               --Fuller.
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