Paramour

Pronunciation in accents without the w, English-language_vowel_changes_before_historic_/r/#Mary.E2.80.93marry.E2.80.93merry_merger, "Mary, marry, merry" merger in accents with the

• UK IPA: /ˈpa.ɹə.mÊŠÉ™/, /ˈpa.ɹə.mɔː/
• US IPA: /ˈpæɹəmɔɹ/

Alternative forms

• paramours

Origin

From Old French par amor ("for love's sake").

Full definition of paramour

Adverb

1. (obsolete, of loving, etc.) Passionately, out of sexual desire; devotedly. from 14th c.
• ChaucerFor par amour I loved her first ere thou.
• 1485, Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book X:And as for to say that I love La Beall Isode paramoures, I dare make good that I do, and that she hath my servyse abovyn all other ladyes, and shall have, all the terme of my lyff.

Noun

1. An illicit lover, either male or female.
• MacaulayThe seducer appeared with dauntless front, accompanied by his paramour.

Synonyms

• leman
• mistress