E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Questa Cortesissima (Italian).
Most courteous one; a love term used by Dante to Beatrice.
1
“I set myself to think of that most courteous one (questa cortesissima), and thinking of her there fell upon me a sweet sleep”—Mrs. Oliphant: Makers of Florence (Dante’s description).
