Teacher Discussion Forums

'to gratify the queen and gain the court'
I wonder what 'gain the court' means.

Thank you.

Itasan,

This is one phrase we need to split up to understand....

Firstly this is some fairly old English, so you've probably seen this phrase in a novel, history book or a very old publication.

To gratify the queen - Means to please the queen.
gain the court - Court's original meaning was the place where the king or queen and his advisors would govern the country and settle disputes.

So in this case it means that the person gained the confidence of the advisors and pleased the queen.

James
http://www.jamesabela.co.uk/

I see. Thank you very much, James.