Court"ship (k?rt"sh?p), n.
1.
The act of paying court, with the intent to solicit a favor.
Swift.
2.
The act of wooing in love; solicitation of woman to marriage.
This method of courtship, [by which] both sides are prepared for all the matrimonial adventures that are to follow.
Goldsmith.
3.
Courtliness; elegance of manners; courtesy.
[Obs.]
Trim gallants, full of courtship and of state.
Shak.
4.
Court policy; the character of a courtier; artifice of a court; court-craft; finesse.
[Obs.]
She [the Queen] being composed of courtship and Popery.
Fuller.
© Webster 1913.