Definition of court
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: the residence or establishment of a sovereign or similar dignitary
riding to the king's court
b
: a sovereign's formal assembly of councillors and officers
The king held a general court.
c
: the sovereign and officers and advisers who are the governing power
The court has decided against the alliance.
d
: the family and retinue of a sovereign
The court enjoyed the tournament.
e
: a reception held by a sovereign
2a(1)
: a manor house or large building surrounded by usually enclosed grounds
Hampton Court
(2)
: motel
b
: an open space enclosed wholly or partly by buildings or circumscribed by a single building
the court at the center of the palace
c
: a quadrangular space walled or marked off for playing one of various games with a ball (such as tennis, handball, or basketball)
also
: a division of such a court
d
: a wide alley with only one opening onto a street
3a
: an official assembly for the transaction of judicial business
b
: a session of such a court
The court is now adjourned.
c
: a place (such as a chamber) for the administration of justice
sat quietly in the back of the court
d
: a judge or judges in session
also
: a faculty or agency of judgment or evaluation
… rest our case in the court of world opinion … — Leonard H. Marks
4a
: an assembly or board with legislative or administrative powers
b
: parliament, legislature
5
: conduct or attention intended to win favor or dispel hostility : homage
pay court to the king