court·ship

/ˈkoɚtˌʃıp/ noun, pl -ships

1 somewhat old-fashioned : the activities that occur when people are developing a romantic relationship that could lead to marriage or the period of time when such activities occur

[count]

They had a two-year courtship before marrying.

[noncount]

the formalities of courtship

2 [noncount] : the behavior of animals that leads to sexual activity or the period of time when such behavior occurs

The male of the species often displays aggression during courtship.

— often used before another noun

courtship behavior

courtship displays/rituals

3 [noncount] : an attempt to convince someone to support you or to choose you or your organization

the President's courtship of middle-class voters