paramour Meaning, Definition & Usage

Par"a*mour noun

Etymology

F. par amour, lit., by or with love. See 2d Par, and Amour.

Definitions

1. A lover, of either sex; a wooer or a mistress (formerly in a good sense, now only in a bad one); one who takes the place, without possessing the rights, of a husband or wife; -- used of a man or a woman.

   The seducer appeared with dauntless front, accompanied by his paramour Macaulay.

2. Love; gallantry. Obs. "For paramour and jollity." Chaucer.

Par"a*mour`, Par"a*mours` adverb (Also<

• Paramour
• Paramours

)

Definitions

1. By or with love, esp. the love of the sexes; -- sometimes written as two words. Obs.

   For par amour, I loved her first ere thou. Chaucer.