a tradition represented in Western European literature between the 12th and the 14th centuries, idealizing love between a knight and a revered (usually married) lady
courtly love in American English
noun
a highly stylized code of behavior popular chiefly from the 12th to the 14th century that prescribed the rules of conduct between lovers, advocating idealized but illicit love, and which fostered an extensive medieval literature based on this tradition
Word origin
[1895–1900]This word is first recorded in the period 1895–1900. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Marxism, backwind, calling card, frame of reference, slapstick
Examples of 'courtly love' in a sentence
courtly love
It necessarily uses the conventions and language of courtly love.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
There is a chivalric code of friendship as there once was for courtly love.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
His poetry strikes a characteristic note of bold rebellion against the unreal conventions of courtly love in its late, degenerate form.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
Should we continue to believe in courtly love as it was promulgated by the troubadours?
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
We need a return to courtly love, where a man has to prove himself continually.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The ambiguities of courtly love were supposed to have prepared him for the veiled language of international diplomacy.