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hold court

   Also found in: Legal 0.04 sec.
hold court  (humorous)
to get a lot of attention from a group of people by talking in a way that is entertaining, especially on social occasions
Usage notes: In the past, a king or queen held court when they talked to the people who gave them advice.
You'll find Mick holding court in the kitchen.
See also: court, hold

hold court
to attract people who want your attention The actress held court with the reporters and photographers who followed her everywhere.
Etymology: based on the idea of a king who holds court (surrounds himself with people of high social rank and people who give advice)
See also: court, hold


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? References in classic literature
Xanila explained that this was one of the anterooms off the main throneroom in which the king was accustomed to hold court with his entire retinue.
 
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