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curtain call
curtain lecture
curtain raiser
curtain speech
curtain time
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curtal
curtilage
curtsy
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curule chair
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curtsy

curt·sy [ kúrtsee ] or curt·sey [ kúrtsee ]


intransitive verb  (past and past participle curt·sied, present participle curt·sy·ing, 3rd person present singular curt·sies) (past and past participle curt·seyed, present participle curt·sey·ing, 3rd person present singular curt·seys)
Definition:
 
bend knees in respect: to bend the knees, with one foot behind the other, as a gesture of respect. Women curtsy in formal situations where men bow, e.g. when acknowledging the applause of an audience after performing on stage, or when meeting royalty.



noun  (plural curt·sies) (plural curt·seys)
Definition:
 
woman's respectful movement: a movement made by a woman as a sign of respect for somebody in which she bends her knees with one foot behind the other

[Early 16th century. Variant of courtesy]
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