courteous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite exhibiting courtesy and politeness
    nice; gracious.
    • a nice gesture
  2. adjective characterized by courtesy and gracious good manners
    • if a man be gracious and courteous to strangers it shows he is a citizen of the world"-Francis Bacon

WordNet

Cour"te*ous adjective
Etymology
OE. cortais, corteis, cortois, rarely corteous, OF. corties, corteis, F. courtois. See Court.
Definitions
  1. Of courtlike manners; pertaining to, or exxpressive of, courtesy; characterized by courtesy; civil; obliging; well bred; polite; affable; complaisant.
    A patient and courteous bearing. Prescott.
    His behavior toward his people is grave and courteous. Fuller.

Webster 1913