1. A woman, especially in historical contexts, who engages in sexual relations for payment; a prostitute of high social standing or associated with a royal court.
Usage: plural of courtesan; historical; often refers to women in Renaissance Europe or ancient Rome with social influence

Examples

• The courtezans of Renaissance Venice were known for their education and artistic patronage.
• Historical records document the lives of famous courtezans in 16th-century France.
• The novel depicts the courtezans who served the royal court during the ancien régime.
• Some courtezans wielded considerable political influence despite their social status.
• The museum exhibition explored the role of courtezans in European history.