paranymph

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpaɹənɪmf/

Noun

paranymph (plural paranymphs)

  1. (now rare) A friend of the bridegroom, a best man; a bridesmaid. [from 16th c.]
    • Milton
      Thy paranymph, worthless to thee compar'd
  2. (now rare) An ally or spokesman; someone who speaks in support of someone else. [from 16th c.]
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Jeremy Taylor to this entry?)
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