catamite

Etymology

First attested in English [from 1593]^[1]: from Latin Catamītus, from Etruscan 𐌂𐌀𐌕𐌌𐌉𐌕𐌄 (Catmite), from Ancient Greek Γανυμήδης (Ganumḗdēs, “Ganymede”); in Greek mythology, an attractive Trojan boy abducted to Mount Olympus by the god Zeus to become his cupbearer and, later, his lover.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkætəmaɪt/

Noun

catamite (plural catamites)

1. The junior partner in a pederastic relationship.
   • 4 July 2007: Esther Hall as Lyde in Episode XVII (episode V of season II): “Heroes of the Republic” of Rome

     And what about your brother? – Is he to be a catamite?

References