1. women who were companions to wealthy or powerful men, especially in historical contexts
Usage: historical; often implies a cultivated or refined woman

Examples

• The novel depicted the lives of courtesans in 18th-century France.
• Many courtesans were highly educated and influential in court politics.
• The painting showed elegant courtesans at a royal gathering.
• Historical records mention several famous courtesans who advised kings.
• The opera tells the story of courtesans in ancient Rome.
• Museums display jewelry once owned by wealthy courtesans.