1. a woman who has sexual relationships with wealthy or powerful men in exchange for money or gifts
Usage: historical

Examples

• The novel depicted the life of a famous courtesan in 18th-century France.
• Many courtesans in ancient Rome wielded considerable political influence.
• The opera tells the tragic story of a courtesan who falls in love.
• Historical records show that some courtesans were highly educated and cultured.
• The painting portrayed a courtesan in elaborate silk robes.
• In Renaissance Italy, courtesans often patronized the arts.