Curtsy vs. Curtsey — What's the Difference?

A curtsy (also spelled curtsey or incorrectly as courtsey) is a traditional gesture of greeting, in which a girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head. It is the female equivalent of male bowing or genuflecting in Western cultures.

A gesture of respect or reverence made chiefly by women by bending the knees with one foot forward and lowering the body.

A gesture of respect or reverence made chiefly by women by bending the knees with one foot forward and lowering the body.

To make a curtsy.

To make a curtsy.

A small bow, generally performed by a woman or a girl, where she crosses the shin of one leg behind the calf of her other leg and briefly bends her knees and lowers her body in deference.

Alternative spelling of curtsey

To make a curtsey.

Alternative spelling of curtsey

To perform a curtsy.

Bending at the knees; a gesture of respect made by women

Bending at the knees; a gesture of respect made by women

A gesture of respectful greeting, for women

A gesture of respectful greeting, for women

Make a curtsy; usually done only by girls and women; as a sign of respect;