attend court (as official); hold court (as monarch)
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to attend court as an official; to have an audience with the emperor
formalRefers to officials, ministers, or courtiers going to the imperial court to pay respects to the emperor and discuss state affairs. Primarily used in historical or literary contexts.
The ministers must attend court every day.
When he attended court, he reported the military situation on the frontier to the emperor.
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In ancient times, officials attended court very early, usually at dawn.
verb
to hold court as a monarch; to preside over court proceedings
formalRefers to the emperor or monarch going to the court to handle government affairs and administer state business. Distinct from the official's perspective of attending court.
The emperor held court every morning at the hour of mao (5-7 AM).
Due to poor health, His Majesty will not hold court today.
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After the new emperor ascended the throne, he devoted himself to governance, holding court on time every day.