Courtly describes behavior that is extremely polite, refined, and elegant in the formal way associated with royal courts. When someone acts in a courtly manner, they use gracious language, show impeccable manners, and treat others with dignified respect.

The word comes from the royal courts of medieval Europe, where knights, nobles, and ladies followed elaborate codes of behavior. A courtly knight would bow deeply, speak in flowery compliments, and display perfect manners even in difficult situations. These weren't just empty gestures: courtly behavior signaled that someone understood the sophisticated culture of educated, powerful people.

You might read about courtly love in old stories, where knights performed noble deeds to honor their ladies. Or you might encounter courtly language in Shakespeare's plays, where characters address each other with elaborate courtesy, such as: “My lord, I humbly beseech your wisdom.”

Today, calling someone courtly means they have old-fashioned, almost regal politeness. A courtly gentleman might hold doors with a slight bow, or a courtly diplomat might navigate tense negotiations with calm grace. The word suggests elegance and formality that goes beyond everyday good manners, reaching toward something more ceremonial and grand.