Definition

Noun: 1. The sovereign and his or her advisors who are the governing power of a state: This refers to the monarch (king, queen, emperor, etc.) along with the official councilors, ministers, and officials who assist in ruling the country. It is the central seat of political power and administration in a monarchy. 2. The family and retinue of a sovereign or prince: This refers to the monarch's immediate family (spouse, children, etc.) and the larger household of attendants, nobles, and other individuals who live at or are attached to the sovereign's residence.

Usage Examples

• As the governing power:
  • The king's decision was influenced by the powerful nobles of his royal court.
  • Ambassadors were summoned to the royal court to hear the proclamation.
• As the family and household:
  • The princess grew up within the confines of the royal court, surrounded by etiquette and ceremony.
  • Gossip and intrigue were common in the bustling royal court of the 16th century.

Advanced Usage

• "To hold court": This idiom, often used in a historical or figurative sense, means to preside over a gathering where one is the center of attention and receives visitors or admirers. It originates from the practice of a monarch holding formal sessions of their court.
  • The famous author would hold court in the café, surrounded by young writers.
• "Court politics" or "court intrigue": These phrases refer to the complex, often secretive political maneuvering and scheming that takes place among members of a royal court to gain power, favor, or influence with the sovereign.

Variants and Related Words

• Court (noun): A shorter, more common form with the same meanings as "royal court." It can also refer to the place where a sovereign resides, the people assembled there, or, in modern usage, a place where legal trials are held.
• Courtier (noun): A person who attends or serves at a royal court.
• Courtly (adjective): Refined and dignified in a manner associated with royal courts.

Synonyms

• For the governing power: sovereign's court, king's court, queen's court, the Crown (in a constitutional sense).
• For the family and household: entourage, retinue, household, royal household.

Related Idioms

• "Out of court": While primarily a legal term meaning a settlement made without a formal trial, it can be used historically to describe someone who has fallen from the monarch's favor and is no longer welcome at court.
  • The disgraced duke found himself out of court and stripped of his titles.

Noun

1. the sovereign and his advisers who are the governing power of a state
2. the family and retinue of a sovereign or prince