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. (archaic) A friend of the bridegroom; a best man; a bridesmaid. [from 16th c.]
   • 1671, John Milton, “Samson Agonistes, […].”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC, page 63, line 631:

     Thy Paranymph, worthleſs to thee compar'd, […]

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; […]