early 16th cent.: variant of courtesy. Both forms were used to denote the expression of respect or courtesy by a gesture, especially in phrases such as do courtesy, make courtesy, and from this arose the current use (late 16th cent.)
英英释义网络释义
noun
1.bending at the knees; a gesture of respect made by women
vern
1.a gesture of respectful greeting, for women
2.make a curtsy; usually done only by girls and women; as a sign of respect;