paramour

Alternative forms

• paramours

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpa.ɹə.mʊə/, /ˈpa.ɹə.mɔː/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈpæɹəmɔɹ/

  (Mary–marry–merry distinction)

  Audio (US)

  (file)

  (Mary–marry–merry merger)

  Audio (US)

  (file)

Adverb

paramour (not comparable)

1. (obsolete, of loving, etc.) Passionately, out of sexual desire; devotedly. [from 14^thc.]
   • Chaucer

     For par amour I loved her first ere thou.

   • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, chapter liij, in Le Morte Darthur, book X:

     Is this trouthe said Palomydes / Thenne shall we hastely here of sire Tristram / And as for to say that I loue la Beale Isoud peramours I dare make good that I doo / and that she hath my seruyse aboue alle other ladyes / and shalle haue the terme of my lyf

Noun

paramour (plural paramours)

1. An illicit lover, either male or female.
   • 1848, Thomas Maucalay, The History of England from the Accession of James the Second:

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

   • 2016 February 23, Robbie Collin, “Grimsby review: ' Sacha Baron Cohen's vital, venomous action movie'”, in The Daily Telegraph (London):

     The action scenes are deafening and punchily staged by director Louis Letterier (The Transporter), though I wish he’d set more time aside to spend with Nobby, his paramour Dawn (Rebel Wilson), their shaven-headed brood, and friends