'courtship' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'courteship', where 'court' meant 'to pay attention to' and '-ship' denoted a state or condition.

'courteship' transformed into the modern English word 'courtship' through the influence of the word 'court', which was used in the context of romantic pursuit.

Initially, it meant 'the act of paying court to someone', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the period of developing a romantic relationship'.