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)

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.

hold court

Be surrounded by and command the attention of admirers, subordinates, or hangers-on. For example, After a match Judy generally held court in the locker room. This expression alludes to royalty convening courtiers as well as a judge convening a court of law.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Ezekias	-	Biblical Greek
Gemma	['dʒemə]
Stapleton	['steipltən]
ThaÏS	-	Ancient Greek
Amala	-	Tamil, Indian, Malayalam
Mariette	-	French