c.1598–1600 (date written), William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies[…] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [ActIII, sceneii]:
a.1627, John Beaumont, “Horat. Lib. 2. Sat. 6.”, in Bosworth-Field with a Taste of the Variety of Other Poems, London: Henry Seile, page 40:
in houres secure from courtly strife
1776, Thomas Paine, Common Sense, Philadelphia, page 40:
The rich are in general slaves to fear, and submit to courtly power with the trembling duplicity of a spaniel.
1857, Anthony Trollope, chapter 3, in Barchester Towers, volume 1, London: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, & Roberts, page 30:
He had for years held some clerical office appertaining to courtly matters, which had enabled him to live in London,
(obsolete) Overly eager to please or obey.
Synonyms:flattering, obsequious, servile
1763, Charles Churchill, “The Duellist”, in et al., London: G. Kearsly, Book 3, p. 29:
Here FLATT’RY, eldest born of guile, Weaves with rare skill the silken smile, The courtly cringe, the supple bow, The private squeeze, the Levee vow,
1849–1861, Thomas Babington Macaulay, chapter VII, in The History of England from the Accession of James the Second, volume (please specify |volume=I to V), London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, →OCLC, page 152: