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
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.
Cite this Entry
“Paranymph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paranymph. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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