paramour

Definition

An illicit lover, either male or female.

Etymology

From Middle English paramour, paramoure, peramour, paramur, from Old French par amor (“for love's sake”). The modern pronunciation is apparently an Early Modern English readaptation of the French.

Example Sentences

• "to run away with a paramour"
• "The seducer appeared with dauntless front, accompanied by his paramour."
• "They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking paramours:"