Racket and ball game played in France, from about the 12th century, over a central net in an indoor court, but with a sloping roof let into each end and one side of the court, against which the ball may be hit. The term “real” here means “royal”, not “genuine”. Basic scoring is as for lawn tennis, but with various modifications.
The oldest court still in use is the one installed by Henry VIII at Hampton Court, Richmond, London.