Here's a breakdown:
* "Courtoisie" originated from the Old French word "cort", which referred to the royal court.
* This word, "cort", ultimately stems from the Latin word "cohors", meaning "enclosure" or "courtyard".
* The idea is that "courtoisie" represents the refined and polite behavior expected of those within the royal court.
Evolution of the Meaning:
* Over time, "courtesy" expanded beyond just royal court behavior to encompass any act of politeness and kindness towards others.
* This shift reflects how the ideals of respect and consideration, once associated with the elite, became more widely valued across society.
So, in essence, the word "courtesy" originates from the concept of courtly behavior, highlighting the historical link between politeness and aristocracy.