Court
Royal court
A royal court is a meeting which is governed by royalty. It allows the royalty to make announcements, receive petitions and handle other matters. The regulars at such an event are themselves refered to as members of the court, as they are seeking power, favour and influence. The royal residence may also be referred to as a court.
See also: quarter court
Law court
Counties have courts that represented the Crown in matters of law and politics. These mechanisms and the associated buildings eventually just became concerned with legal matters.
Courts in the SCA
Court is a special event in the SCA, where emphasis is placed on ceremony and courtesy.
Court is where awards are given, announcements are made and gifts are presented.
Some kingdoms have restrictions on bearing arms (weapons) at court. For instance, in one kingdom only members of a Baronial Guard can bear arms while at court.