Definition

1. Noun:

   • A formal gesture of respect or polite greeting, traditionally performed by women and girls, involving a slight bending of the knees while often lowering the body and sometimes inclining the head.

2. Verb:

   • To perform a curtsey as a sign of respect, deference, or formal greeting.

Usage

• The word "curtsey" describes a specific, traditional non-verbal greeting. It is used in formal, ceremonial, or historical contexts. The verb form means to execute this gesture.
• As a noun: It is often preceded by verbs like "make," "give," "drop," or "perform."
• As a verb: It is often followed by "to" to indicate the recipient of the gesture.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The young lady gave a deep curtsey to the queen.
  • In her ballet class, she practiced her curtsey at the end of the recital.
• Verb:
  • The girls were taught to curtsey when introduced to the ambassador.
  • She curtseyed gracefully before leaving the stage.

Advanced Usage

• "to drop a curtsey": This is a common idiomatic phrase meaning to perform a curtsey.
  • The debutante dropped a curtsey to the assembled guests.
• The gesture can vary in depth (a "deep curtsey" or a "slight curtsey") to convey different levels of formality or respect.

Variants and Related Words

• Curtsy: This is a common alternative spelling for "curtsey." Both forms are correct and used interchangeably.
• Bow: (noun/verb) A similar gesture of respect, traditionally performed by men, involving bending at the waist.

Synonyms

• Noun: Obeisance, reverence, genuflection (though "genuflection" is more specifically religious and involves one knee).
• Verb: To bow (for a comparable male gesture).

Antonyms

• Noun/Verb: Snub, disregard.
• Gesture: A shrug (indicating indifference).

Related Phrases

• Make one's curtsey: To perform one's curtsey, especially as part of a formal introduction or presentation.
  • The young women made their curtsey to the lord of the manor.

Noun

1. bending the knees; a gesture of respect made by women

Verb

1. bend the knees in a gesture of respectful greeting