Look up: courtesan

1. 
   Courtesan
   Cour'te·san noun [ French courtisane , from courtisan courtier, Italian cortigiano ; or directly from Italian cortigiana , or Spanish cortesana . See Court .] A woman who prostitutes herself for hire; a prostitute; a harlot. « Lasciviously decked like a courtesan . Sir H. Wotton. »
   Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/C/175
   
   
2. 
   Courtesan
   A `courtesan` in mid-16th century usage referred to a mistress, especially one associated with wealthy, powerful, or upper-class men who provided luxuries and status in exchange for her companionship. In Renaissance Europe, courtesans played an important role in upper-class society, sometimes taking the place of wives at social functions. As it was customary during this time for royal couples to lead separate lives`commonly marrying simply to pre...
   Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtesan
   
   
3. 
   Courtesan
   • (n.) A woman who prostitutes herself for hire; a prostitute; a harlot.
   Found on http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning