paranymph

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English

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Etymology

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From Middle French paranymphe, from Latin paranymphus, from Ancient Greek παράνυμφος (paránumphos, friend of bridegroom), from παρα- (para-, para-) + νύμφη (númphē, bride).

Pronunciation

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Noun

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paranymph (plural paranymphs)

  1. (archaic) A friend of the bridegroom; a best man; a bridesmaid. [from 16th c.]
  2. (archaic) An ally or spokesman; someone who speaks in support of someone else. [from 16th c.]
    • 1653, Jeremy Taylor, “Twenty-five Sermons Preached at Golden Grove; Being for the Winter Half-year, []: Sermon XVII. The Marriage Ring; or, The Mysteriousness and Duties of Marriage. Part I.”, in Reginald Heber, editor, The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, D.D. [], volume V, London: Ogle, Duncan, and Co. []; and Richard Priestley, [], published 1822, →OCLC, page 257:
      But it is the basest of all when lust is the paranymph, and solicits the suit, and makes the contract, and joins the hands; []