好词典

courtesan

UK //ˌkɔːtɪˈzæn//US //ˈkɔːrtəzən//

词源

源自意大利语 'cortigiana'(宫廷女性),经法语 'courtisane' 进入英语,词根与 'court'(宫廷)相关。

noun

❶ 指历史上与贵族或富有人士交往的高级交际花或情妇,通常受过教育且精通艺术社交,不同于普通妓女。

“The famous courtesan was known for her wit and charm among the aristocracy.”

(这位著名的交际花以其机智和魅力在贵族圈中闻名。)

“In 18th-century Paris, courtesans often hosted intellectual salons.”

(18世纪巴黎的高级交际花常举办知识沙龙。)

同义词:mistress, companion, demimondaine

常见短语

royal courtesan — 特指服务于王室成员的高级交际花,具有特殊社会地位。

“The king's royal courtesan wielded unexpected political influence.”

(国王的御用情妇出人意料地掌握着政治影响力。)