paranymph
noun
para·nymph ˈper-ə-ˌnim(p)f 
ˈpa-rə-
1
: a friend going with a bridegroom to fetch home the bride in ancient Greece
also : the bridesmaid conducting the bride to the bridegroom
2
a
: best man
b
: bridesmaid
Did you know?
Paranymph resulted from the marriage of the Greek prefix para- and the Greek word for bride, nymphē. The prefix para- can mean "beside" or "alongside of," as is apparent in the word parallel, from the Greek word parallēlos, a union of para- and the word allēnōn, meaning "of one another." At one time, the word paranymph also was used for a person who solicits or speaks for another - that is, an advocate - but that sense is now very rare.
Word History
Etymology
Late Latin paranymphus, from Greek paranymphos, from para- + nymphē bride — more at nuptial
First Known Use
circa 1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1