courtship

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court·ship / ˈkôrtˌship/ • n. a period during which a couple develop a romantic relationship, esp. with a view to marriage. ∎  behavior designed to persuade someone to marry one. ∎  the behavior of male birds and other animals aimed at attracting a mate. ∎  the process of attempting to win a person's favor or support: the country's courtship of foreign investors.

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