Definitions

Since all knowledge essentially begins with definition, that is where this blog will start. The following definitions are directly related to my conception of courtesy. (All of the following definitions are taken from the Oxford English Dictionary.) I am beginning with the OED but will be supplementing, complementing, and amending these definitions to my own purposes as my studies and intellectual pursuits progress.

Courtesy:
1.a: Courteous behaviour; courtly elegance and politeness of manners; graceful politeness or considerateness in intercourse with others.
2.a:Courteous disposition; courteousness; also nobleness, generosity, benevolence, goodness

Etiquette
1.c: The conventional rules of personal behaviour observed in the intercourse of polite society; the ceremonial observances prescribed by such rules.

Manners:
3.a: Customary mode of acting or behaviour; habitual practice; usage, custom, fashion.

Decorum:
1.a: That which is proper, suitable, seemly, befitting, becoming; fitness, propriety, congruity.
1.b: That which is proper to the character, position, rank, or dignity of a real person.
1.c: That which is proper to the circumstances or requirements of the case: seemliness, propriety, fitness.

Aptness:
1.a: Fitness for a purpose; suitableness, appropriateness.

Comportment:
1.a:Personal bearing, carriage, demeanour, deportment; behaviour, outward conduct, course of action.

Deportment:
1.a:Manner of conducting oneself; conduct (of life); behaviour.

Bearing:
2.a: The carrying of oneself (with reference to the manner); carriage, deportment; behaviour, demeanour.

Demeanor:
1.a: Conduct, way of acting, mode of proceeding (in an affair); conduct of life, manner of living; practice, behaviour.

Courtliness:
The quality of being courtly; courtly civility or ‘grace of mien’; courtly elegance of manners.

Conduct:
6.a: The action or manner of conducting, directing, managing, or carrying on (any business, performance, process, course, etc.); direction, management.