courtesy

What it means

1. uncountablePolite behavior.

   Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.

   2 more examples

   He was always known for his grace, kindness, and courtesy to people of every rank.

   Rabbit doesn't want to tell him anything. The more he tells, the more he loses. He's safe inside his own skin, he doesn't want to come out. This guy's whole game is to get him out into the open where he can be manipulated. But the fierce convention of courtesy pries open Rabbit's lips.

   1960, John Updike, 'Rabbit, Run', page 108

2. countableA polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice.

   I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy.

   1 more example

   My lord, for your many courtesies I thank you.

   1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]

3. uncountableConsent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence.

   They call this pond a lake by courtesy only.

In a sentence

Please extend them the courtesy of your presence.

Where it comes from

1. Old Frenchcurteisie
2. Anglo-Normancurtesie
3. Middle Englishcurteisie
4. Englishcourtesy

From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix). By surface analysis, court + -esy.