any of several titles having no legal significance, such as those borne by the children of peers
courtesy title in American English
noun
1.
a title applied or assumed through custom, courtesy, or association and without regard for its being officially merited
2.
a title allowed by custom, as to the children of dukes
Word origin
[1860–65]This word is first recorded in the period 1860–65. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Paleolithic, blind spot, calibrate, mutualism, prep
Examples of 'courtesy title' in a sentence
courtesy title
Husbands of baronesses have no courtesy title.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
I never use my courtesy title; it really does mean nothing to me.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Thanks to her father's peerage she is entitled to use the courtesy title 'the honourable' - as are her two younger sisters and her younger brother.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Abandon courtesy titles altogether and limit a title to the person newly honoured.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Any change to life peerages could also signal the end to automatic courtesy titles for the wives of knights of the realm.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There are no courtesy titles for the partner of a peer, knight or dame in a civil partnership.