| 释义 |
paranymph|ˈpærənɪmf|
Also 6–7 -nimph.
[ad. L. paranymphus masc., also late L. paranympha fem. (Isidore), a. Gr. παράνυµϕος masc. the best man, fem. the bridesmaid, f. παρα- beside + νύµϕη bride. Cf. F. paranymphe m. and f. (15th c. in Hatz.-Darm.).]
1. Gr. Antiq. The ‘friend of the bridegroom’, who accompanied the latter when he went to fetch home the bride; also, the bridesmaid who escorted the bride to the bridegroom; hence, a modern ‘best man’ or groomsman, or a bridesmaid.
1600W. Watson Decacordon (1602) 204 Our blessed Ladies paranimphe Saint Gabriell. 1671Milton Samson 1020 Thy Paranymph, worthless to thee compar'd. 1771E. Griffith Hist. Lady Barton II. 274, I hope she is by this time Lady Creswell, and that my sweet little Harriet had the pleasure and honour of being her paranymph. 1829Southey All for Love iv. xx, The Bride and Bride⁓groom side by side, The Paranymphs in festal pride Arranged on either hand. 1891G. F. X. Griffith tr. Fouard's Christ I. 142 By her side the paranymph, or bridesmaid, kept watch with the ten virgins.
fig.1863Q. Rev. CXIV. 530 The paranymphs of the bridal [of Mary Stuart] were to be the fiends of war.
2. transf. and fig. A person or thing that woos or solicits for another; an advocate, spokesman, or orator, who speaks in behalf of another.
1593G. Harvey Pierce's Super. Wks. (Grosart) II. 21, I would..it had bene your fortune to haue encountred some other Paranymphes, then such as you are now to discipline. 1643Trapp Comm. Gen. xxiv. 35 Ministers, Christs Paranymphs, must likewise wo for Christ. 1656Blount Glossogr. [from Cotgr.], Paranymph, an Orator, who a little before the Commencement of Doctors, etc., makes a publick Speech in commendation of their honesty and sufficiency. a1693Urquhart's Rabelais iii. xli. 341 To supply the place of a Paranymph, Braul broker, Proxenete or Mediator.
Hence † paraˈnymphal a.
1638Ford Lady's Trial iii. i, Saying grace As at some paranymphal feast. |