Courtin

/ˈkɔːrtɪn/ verb

Definition

Dialectal or informal spelling of 'courting'; the act of pursuing or seeking romantic affection from another person; dating or wooing.

Etymology

From Middle English 'courten,' related to 'court'; the spelling 'courtin' reflects dialectal or colloquial pronunciation, dropping the final 'g' in '-ing' as happens in many English dialects.

Kelly Says

Dialectal spellings like 'courtin' appear in folk songs and literature, especially from working-class communities—'I'm courtin' my sweetheart' has a different rhythm and feel than the formal 'courting,' telling us about how people actually spoke!

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