coquetry

From French coquetterie

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈkɒkɪtɹi/, /ˈkəʊkətɹi/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈkoʊkətɹi/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

coquetry (countable and uncountable, plural coquetries)

1. An affectation of amorous tenderness, especially of a woman directed towards a man.
   • 1882, Louisa M. Alcott, Kitty's Class Day And Other Stories‎:

     The little coquetries, which are as natural to a gay young girl as her laughter, were all in full play, and had she gone no further no harm would have been done.

   • 1910, Geraldine Bonner, The Emigrant Trail‎:

     The mischievous pleasure of her coquetries was forgotten, and in a rush of glad confidence she felt a woman's pride in him.

   • 1913, Carolyn Wells, Patty's Social Season‎:

     "Her pretty little coquetries are like the gambols of a kitten.

• For more examples of usage of this term, see Citations:coquetry.

• flirtation

• coquetry in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• coquetry in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.