noun
high-class prostitute; courtesan
Refers to a prostitute who caters to wealthy or high-status clients, often with refined manners or cultural skills. The term is somewhat formal and may appear in historical or literary contexts.
彼女は高級娼婦として、上流階級の客だけを相手にしていた。
As a high-class prostitute, she only entertained upper-class clients.
Compound of 高級 (こうきゅう, 'high-class') and 娼婦 (しょうふ, 'prostitute'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term follows a straightforward descriptive pattern.